[Socioeconomic determinants and gender gaps in depressive symptoms in Chile]

There are marked differences associated with socio-economic factors in the prevalence of depressive symptoms (DS) in men and women.

To estimate the association between socioeconomic status and DS in Chile and to estimate the gender gaps in this association.

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was applied as part of a socioeconomic survey carried out in a representative community sample (n = 2913). Using this information, we analyzed the influence of social status (education level, occupation, household income) and other psychosocial factors (gender, perceived social support, stressful life events) on DS.

The prevalence of DS was 23.2% in women and 13.4% in men. A socioeconomic gradient was found in the distribution of DS. This gradient was more pronounced for women than for men. Gender, social support and stressful life events were the most important predictors of severe DS, with an estimated risk twice as high among women and almost three times as high among those with low social support.

There is a combined effect between socio-economic and gender inequalities on DS. This partially explains the greater vulnerability of poor women and the DS gap between men and women.