Factors associated with Indonesian family physicians' knowledge of depression: A cross-sectional study

Depression is a common mental disorder in primary care settings both globally and locally. Even with considerable impacts on patients' quality of life and public healthcare costs, most people with depression do not receive evidence-based treatment. Integrating mental healthcare services into primary care is essential to address the treatment gap for depression. As counsellors and care coordinators, family physicians have a vital role in providing primary mental healthcare services. This study aims to assess Indonesian family physicians' knowledge of depression and identify the associated factors.

This cross-sectional observational study included a total of 83 family physicians from the Association of Indonesian Family Physicians. Data were collected using online questionnaires, including demographic and knowledge assessment instruments and the Care Coordinator Scale (CCS). Descriptive and multiple linear regression analyses were performed.

The knowledge of depression, particularly in terms of prevention, diagnosis, pharmacological treatment, and post-referral treatment, was insufficient among the family physicians. The medication education (P=0.006) and follow-up care plan (P=0.04) domains of the CCS were associated with the family physicians' knowledge of the management of depression in the linear regression analysis (R²=0.077).

Interventions to improve Indonesian family physicians' knowledge of depression, focusing on medication/pharmacological treatment and considering them as care coordinators, are essential.