Depressive disorder and its relationship with stigma and Sociodemographic variables: An observational study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was to identify interrelation between chief presenting complains of depressive disorder with level of stigma associated, with reference to patient’s socio economic and demographic back ground.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the out-patient department (OPD) of Department of Psychiatry. Fifty (50) cases of Major Depressive Disorder were taken using convenience sampling method.Results: Study population consists of 14 (28%) male and 36 (72%) females. Mean age were 36.15 ± 9.71. Among them 40 (80%) were married, 6 (12%) unmarried and 4 (8%) widow. Majority of them were Hindu 38 (76%) and 12 (24%) Muslim by religion. Regarding educational status, 9 (18%) were illiterate, 4 (08%) can read and write only, 9 (18%) upto primary levels, 12 (24%) completed secondary level, 06(12%) upto higher secondary level and 10 (20%) completed graduation. 10 (20.0%) complaint sadness, 24 (48%) pain and other somatic problems, 10 (20%) tension as most troubling and 6 (12%) complaint other problems. Mean HDRS and stigma score were 20.20±3.82 and 16.10±4.68 respectively, 32(53.3%) having stigma score 16 or above and 23 (46%) having less than 16. Relation between age and total stigma score is insignificant (r=0.14, p=0.285) where as there is a positive correlation exists between HDRS score and total stigma score (r=0.490) which is strongly significant at p<0.001 level.Conclusion: Majority of patients with major depression reported somatic complaints as most troubling which may hinder early recognition. As stigma is positively related with depression severity it may acts as barrier to help seeking. Socio-demographic variables are unrelated with presentation of depression.