Depression Literacy Among Dermatologists: An Online Survey Study in India.

Abstract

Early and higher detection rates of depression among dermatology patients can lead to better prognosis. Increased depression literacy among dermatologists might play a vital role in the early and successful detection and treatment of depression among their patients. The objective of this study was to investigate depression literacy among dermatologists working in India. An online survey with a questionnaire comprising sociodemographic variables and the Depression Literacy Questionnaire was conducted to collect data on depression literacy among dermatologists between July 6, 2019, and August 6, 2019. Sociodemographic variables included age, sex, educational qualification, practice location, practice duration, and practice type. The response rate was 56.99%. The majority of respondents were aged 31-50 years, female, and working in urban areas. The mean ± SD total score of the respondents was 17.4 ± 2.36, with the lowest score being 10 and the highest score 22. More correct answers (98.1%) were recorded for the items "loss of confidence and poor self-esteem may be symptoms of depression" and "sleeping too much or too little may be sign of depression." The mean total score of female respondents was higher than that of men, and the difference was significant (P = .003). The study revealed good depression literacy status among dermatologists working in India. Female respondents were found to have higher depression literacy.