Factors associated with depression: sex differences between residents of Quilombo communities.

Sabrina Martins Barroso,Mark Drew Crosland Guimarães,Ana Paula Melo

doi:10.1590/1980-5497201500020017

Abstract

The Quilombola population is subject to numerous sources of social vulnerability, but few studies investigate their physical or mental health conditions. To investigate the factors associated with depression in men and women, separately. Cross-sectional population-based study with 764 randomly selected participants from five quilombo communities in Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, Brazil. The cutoff point for depression was ≥ 10 points, assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire score (PHQ-9), and the presence of five or more symptoms. We estimated the prevalence ratio with 95% confidence intervals using Poisson regression models with robust estimators stratified by gender. Among men, factors associated with depression were previous diagnosis of chronic illnesses, poor/very poor health self-assessment, and poor access to health services. Among women, the associated factors were previous diagnosis of psychiatric disorders, poor/very poor health self-perception, history of tobacco smoking, and self-declaration of race as not black. Factors associated with depression differ between men and women and must be considered in interventions to fight depression within this population.

Highlights

The Quilombola population is subject to numerous sources of social vulnerability, but few studies investigate their physical or mental health conditions
Among men, factors associated with depression were previous diagnosis of chronic illnesses, poor/very poor health selfassessment, and poor access to health services
Other studies indicate the absence of gender differences in the prevalence of depression in cultures in which there is greater female appreciation[12], and in specific subpopulations, as is the case with African Americans[13], young Israelis[14], and Orthodox Jews residing in London[10]

Summary

Introduction

The Quilombola population is subject to numerous sources of social vulnerability, but few studies investigate their physical or mental health conditions. Conclusion: Factors associated with depression differ between men and women and must be considered in interventions to fight depression within this population. Studies conducted in different countries indicate the severity of the disease[3], its epidemic nature[4], its high cost for healthcare services[5], and its relationship with factors of social vulnerability[1]. Another common finding is the observation of higher prevalence of depression among women, at a ratio of 2:13. Other studies indicate the absence of gender differences in the prevalence of depression in cultures in which there is greater female appreciation[12], and in specific subpopulations, as is the case with African Americans[13], young Israelis[14], and Orthodox Jews residing in London[10]

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Conclusion