Abstract
BackgroundThe predictD study developed and validated a risk algorithm for predicting the onset of major depression in primary care. We aimed to explore the opinion of patients about knowing their risk for depression and the values and criteria upon which these opinions are based.MethodsA maximum variation sample of patients was taken, stratified by city, age, gender, immigrant status, socio-economic status and lifetime depression. The study participants were 52 patients belonging to 13 urban health centres in seven different cities around Spain. Seven Focus Groups (FGs) were given held with primary care patients, one for each of the seven participating cities.ResultsThe results showed that patients generally welcomed knowing their risk for depression. Furthermore, in light of available evidence several patients proposed potential changes in their lifestyles to prevent depression. Patients generally preferred to ask their General Practitioners (GPs) for advice, though mental health specialists were also mentioned. They suggested that GPs undertake interventions tailored to each patient, from a “patient-centred” approach, with certain communication skills, and giving advice to help patients cope with the knowledge that they are at risk of becoming depressed.ConclusionsPatients are pleased to be informed about their risk for depression. We detected certain beliefs, attitudes, values, expectations and behaviour among the patients that were potentially useful for future primary prevention programmes on depression.
Highlights
Unlike other medical problems such as cancer or cardiovascular disease [1,2,3], very few studies have explored the beliefs and attitudes of the general population concerning the prevention of depression
The first study on this topic involved a national survey of the German public aged 14 years or over [4], which aimed to PLOS ONE | www.plosone.org examine public attitudes towards prevention of depression and public beliefs about helpful preventive measures
Setting We undertook the study in the primary care setting of seven
Summary
Unlike other medical problems such as cancer or cardiovascular disease [1,2,3], very few studies have explored the beliefs and attitudes of the general population concerning the prevention of depression. The preventive strategies endorsed by over 80% of young people were: keeping physically active, keeping in regular contact with family and friends, avoiding substances, and making time for relaxing activities [5,6]. These three studies [4,5,6] enable inferences to be drawn about the populations of their respective countries, though they have certain limitations. Other types of beliefs, attitudes, values, expectations and behaviour remain to be examined and these may be critical for planning and implementing a depression prevention programme. We aimed to explore the opinion of patients about knowing their risk for depression and the values and criteria upon which these opinions are based
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