Assessment of factors associated with depression and anxiety among pwMS in Saudi Arabia

Assessing Social Determinants of Health Among Patients With Depression at Primary Healthcare Centers in Riyadh City

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 Depression is a common and serious medical illness that is greatly influenced by socioeconomic, demographic, and biological factors. The recognition of social determinants of depression can help reduce the risk factors and promote mental health. The purpose of this study was to assess the social determinants of health (SDOH) of patients with depression and to classify its categories at primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

METHODOLOGY

 A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted among 322 participants who were selected through a convenience sampling technique from June 2021 to August 2022. The study included Saudi and non-Saudi patients at the Ministry of Health PHCs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aged 12 years and older. Independent samples of t-test and one-way ANOVA test were used to assess differences in means of numerical variables. Correlations were made by the Pearson correlation coefficient. A p-value of <0.05 was set as the level of statistical significance. Logistic regression was used to determine the main variables associated with moderate to severe depression.

RESULTS

The findings showed 51% had minimal to mild depression, 27% had moderate depression, and 22% had moderately severe to severe depression. A greater proportion of females had moderate to severe depression (61%) (p=0.007). Also, moderate to severe depression was higher in those with lower monthly income(54%)(p=0.03). Saudi nationals were found to have a higher percentage of moderate to severe depression(51%)(p=0.007). Marital status was found to be associated with depression as single respondents were more likely to have moderate to severe depression (p=0.052) with 54%.

CONCLUSION

SDOH including gender, income, marital status, and nationality are associated with depression. Having a comprehensive system focusing not only on mental health services but also on the social determinants of mental health is very important. Future research is needed to understand the association between depression and SDOH in Saudi Arabia. The study results can help policymakers determine the areas that require improvements.