Background:
The North West Adelaide Health Study is a population-based biomedical cohort study investigating the prevalence of chronic conditions and health-related risk factors. This study is based on a randomly selected group of individuals over the age of 18, who agreed to be involved in a longitudinal health study.
Methods:
Over the past 18 months, 3488 participants were assessed. General demographic and socioeconomic data were collected. Participants were assessed for the presence of a number of chronic conditions including major depression. The presence of depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale-D. A score of 16 or higher indicated mild depression. A score of 27 or higher was rated as moderate to severe depression.
Results:
Of the 3488 participants, 12.5% (436/3488) met criteria for depression. Of the population, 8.9% had a mild depression and 3.9% met criteria for a moderate to severe depression. Depression was statistically significantly higher among women, adults living alone, those separated or divorced, and those unemployed, working part, casually employed or a student. Individuals with a degree or higher level of education, and those earning above $40 000 were significantly less likely to have depression.
Conclusions:
The demographics for those with depression are consistent with previously published studies of depression in the community. However, the rates of depression were higher than that seen in other South Australian, Australian and international studies. The possible reasons for this will be discussed.
