Major depression in Jalal Pur Jattan, district Gujrat, Pakistan: Prevalence and gender differences

To assess the prevalence of depression along gender lines in the general population.

Using multistage stratified proportionate sampling, the cross-sectional study was conducted in four Union Councils of Jalal Pur Jattan in Gujrat, Pakistan from November 2011 to November 2012. From each stratum, two samples were taken: adults and adolescents. Then each sample was divided into adult males and adult females (20-45 years); adolescent boys and adolescent girls (13-19 years). The questionnaire was developed on the basis of diagnostic criteria given in the revised version of the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Of the total population of 28,259, 1117(3.6%) were approached for the study. Of them, 1110(99.3%) people participated. Overall, 173(15%) were found to be vulnerable to psychological problems whereas 59 (5.31%) were found as vulnerable cases to depression. However, the diagnosis of major depression was handed to 38(3.4%) respondents. Of these 38 subjects, 7(18.42%) persons were suffering from mild; 22(57.89%) from moderate, and 9(23.68%) from severe symptoms. Further, 30(78.9%) of these subjects were women.

Major depression was prevailing in the community of Jalal Pur Jattan in almost the same ratio as in other places around the globe, and, therefore, the inhabitants need psychiatric services.