The depression phenotype in a European population-based study. (13th November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cuschieri, S; Mamo, J
• Is Part Of: European journal of public health. Volume 29(2019)Supplement 4
• Publication Date: 2019-11-13
• Subjects: Epidemiology -- Europe -- Periodicals; Public health -- Europe -- Periodicals; 362.109405
• DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz186.554
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1101-1262

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.