[Association between depression and chronic diseases: results from a population-based study].

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Mental Health Research

Context:

• Depression is a prevalent mental health condition affecting adults globally.
• Chronic diseases represent a significant public health challenge, often co-occurring with other health issues.
• Understanding the interplay between mental and physical health is crucial for comprehensive healthcare.

Purpose:

• To investigate the association between the number of chronic diseases and the prevalence of depression in adults.
• To identify demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with depression in this population.
• To quantify the increased risk of depression in individuals with one or more chronic conditions.

Summary:

• A cross-sectional study of 1,720 adults in Florianópolis, Brazil, found a 16.2% prevalence of depression.
• Depression was more common in women, older adults, and those with lower socioeconomic status.
• Prevalence ratios for depression increased significantly with the number of chronic diseases, even after adjusting for confounders (1.44 for one disease, 2.25 for two or more).

Impact:

• Findings underscore a strong link between a higher burden of chronic diseases and increased depression rates.
• Results emphasize the need for integrated healthcare approaches addressing both mental and physical health.
• Recommendations include developing targeted interventions for individuals with multiple chronic conditions to improve overall well-being.