Prevalence of self-reported depression in Brazil: 2013 National Health Survey results

To describe the prevalence of self-reported previous medical diagnosis of depression in the adult (18 years or older), Brazilian population according to sociodemographic factors.

Data from the 2013 National Health Survey, a population-based survey, were used. The self-reported previous medical diagnosis of depression, received at some point during the patient's life, was investigated. Prevalence and their respective confidence intervals of 95% (CI 95%) were calculated, stratified by gender, age group, education level, race/skin color, for Brazil, place of residence, major regions, federative units and capitals.

The prevalence of self-reported diagnosis of depression in adults in Brazili was of 7.6% (95%CI 7.2 - 8.1), being higher in women (10.9%; 95%CI 10.3 - 11.6) and among people between 60 and 64 years old (11.1%; 95%CI 9.1 - 13.1). Furthermore, the highest prevalence was among individuals with no formal education or those with incomplete primary education 8.6% (95%CI 7.9 - 9.3), for those with complete tertiary education 8.7% (95%CI 7.5 - 9,9); and for those who declared themselves as white (9.0%; 95%CI 8.3 - 9.6). For place of residence, the self-report was higher in individuals living in urban areas (8.0%; 95%CI 7.5 - 8.4) and in the South (12.6%; 95%CI 11.2 - 13.9).

The analysis shows the importance of understanding the access to the diagnosis of depression in Brazil. It is necessary to improve access to quality health services throughout the country to include the underprivileged population. Reducing disparities in access to health services is crucial to ensuring that social rights are universal and equal.