Depression prevalence estimates in Spain (1995-2021): a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• Depression prevalence estimates in Spain are heterogeneous.
• Understanding trends and variations in depression rates is crucial for public health.
• Previous reviews have not systematically synthesized Spanish depression prevalence data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize depression prevalence estimates in the Spanish general population.
• To analyze variations in prevalence based on methodological factors and time periods.
• To provide a comprehensive overview of depression epidemiology in Spain.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across multiple databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, ÍnDICEs CSIC, PSICODOC).
• Inclusion criteria: studies on incidence/prevalence/mean scores, population ≥14 years, n ≥1,000, validated methods.
• PRISMA 2020 guidelines followed; quality assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute tool; qualitative synthesis.

Main Results:

• 13 studies included; 11 comparable studies showed increasing prevalence from 1995-2021 (4-22%).
• Prevalence varied by assessment method and study period.
• Women were twice as affected as men; unfavorable sociodemographic conditions increased risk.

Conclusions:

• Reported depression prevalence has increased in Spain between 1995 and 2021.
• Gender and socioeconomic factors significantly influence depression risk.
• Future research requires standardized methods for better comparability and representativeness.