The depression phenotype in a European population-based study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Depression is a growing public health concern and associated with a number of co-morbidities including diabetes mellitus. The aim was to estimate the prevalence of depression at a population level across different glycaemic statuses while establishing phenotypic characteristics of this sub-population. Methods A national representative cross-sectional study was conducted in Malta (2014-6). Participants were categorized into different sub-populations according to their glycaemic status. Depression prevalence rates and bio-socio-economic characteristics for each sub-population were established. Multiple regression analyses performed to identify links between glycaemic status and depression. Results Depression was prevalent in 17.15% of our study population (CI 95%: 16.01 - 18.36) with a female predominance. The normoglycaemic sub-population had the highest depression rates. Persons with known diabetes had a higher probability of having a history of depression (OR:2.36 CI 95%:1.12 - 4.96), as well as with being of female gender, having lower educational status, smoking tobacco and having established cardiovascular disease. Conclusions Depression was highly prevalent among the normoglycaemic population. Primary care physicians should implement a depression screening tool as part of their routine health check-ups, with special attention to those with cardiovascular co-morbidities and low socioeconomic status. Key messages Depression prevalent mostly in the normoglycemic population. Screening for depression should be part of routine health check-ups.