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Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression
Published on: April 26, 2024
Prevalence, awareness, and burden of major depressive disorder in urban China
Shaloo Gupta1, Amir Goren2, Peng Dong3
1a Health Outcomes Practice , Kantar Health , Princeton , NJ , USA.
Objectives:
This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence and burden of major depressive disorder (MDD) among adults in urban China.
Methods:
Data were included from the 2012 China National Health and Wellness Survey. Respondents self-reporting physician diagnosis of depression and screening positive for MDD (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), plus those screening positive for MDD, but undiagnosed and not experiencing depression, were compared with non-depressed controls. Outcomes included health-related quality of life (HRQoL), productivity loss, and resource utilization. Multivariable models assessed outcomes as a function of MDD, controlling for covariates.
Results:
MDD prevalence was 6.0%; only 8.3% of these respondents were diagnosed, among whom 51.5% currently used prescription medication for depression. Adults with MDD (diagnosed or undiagnosed) reported significantly poorer HRQoL and greater productivity loss and resource utilization than controls.
Conclusions:
MDD in urban China may be under-diagnosed and undertreated. Awareness and better access to treatments may help alleviate the burden of MDD.
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