Influence of socio-economic deprivation on the prevalence and outcome of depression in primary care

Abstract

BackgroundHealth inequalities exist for many disorders, but the contribution of deprivation to the prevalence and outcome of depressive symptoms in primary care populations has been infrequently studied.AimsTo examine the influence of Jarman under-privileged area (UPA) scores on the prevalence and outcome of depressive symptoms in general practice patients.Method18 414 patients attending 55 representative practices completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and a questionnaire for employment status. Outcome of those screening positive was assessed at 6 weeks and 6 months.ResultsThe UPA score accounted for 48.3% of the variance between practices in prevalence of depressive symptoms. Attending a high UPA score practice predicted persistence of depressive symptoms to 6 months.ConclusionsThe socio-economic deprivation of a practice locality is a powerful predictor of the prevalence and persistence of depressive symptoms.