Development of Surveillance Tool for Depression Among Workers in Taiwan

Abstract

P-757 Introduction: Depression has become an important psychiatric condition and health burden globally. Prevalence of depression and mood disease is unclear in working population in Taiwan. This study develops methods and measurements for surveillance of depression and mood disorder in workers in Taiwan. Methods: Study participants were recruited from 5 traditional industries, 13 medical institutions, and 7 fire fighting departments from representative areas of Taiwan. The Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scales (CES-D) and Chinese version of AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) were used to screen depression and mood disorder. The Chinese version of the Mini-international Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was used to diagnose depression and problem alcohol use through telephone interview by psychiatric nurses under supervision of a psychiatrist. Results: A total of 3475 workers (62.8% response rate) completed the screening questionnaires satisfactorily and thus included in the final analysis. Among them, 257 workers were phone-interviewed with MINI. Using a cut-off point of 27 or higher in CES-D, the positive predictive value (PPV) of MINI-determined major depression and mood disorder were 12.8% and 32.8%, the negative predictive value (NPV) of depression and mood disorder were 93.9% and 84.9%, respectively. For those scored 15 to 26 in CES-D, the positive predictive value (PPV) of MINI-determined major depression and mood disorder were 9.7% and 19.4%, the negative predictive value (NPV) of depression and mood disorder were 90.3% and 80.6%, respectively. From these values, 4.9% and 10.6% of workers were estimated as having major depression and mood disorder, respectively. Discussion and Conclusions: Low positive predictive values of psychiatric disorders by using screening tools have not been uncommonly seen in other studies. More specific instruments such as MINI for confirmation will be important to confirm depression or mood disorders. It is the first time the combination of CES-D and Mini-international Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was used to screening depression. The reliability of telephone interview was assessed through training and interview record checked by psychiatrist. It can be a valid tool for surveillance of depression and mood disorder in workers in Taiwan.