Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression in an Asian Community in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

الملخص EN

Depression is a common condition in developed countries and is a growing problem in developing countries like Tanzania.

Various risk factors have been identified through different studies.

This study aimed at finding the prevalence of depression in a predominantly migrant Asian community and the behavioral, familial, social, and medical factors influencing it.

A cross-sectional study among adults in a closed Asian community was done.

Interviews and self-administered questionnaires were used to obtain details of symptoms and factors related to depression.

DSM-IV criteria were used to diagnose depression in the individuals.

Factors were assessed for significance using Chi square test.

A total 384 participants were interviewed.

Depression was found in 6.5% of the population.

Risk factors included psychological stress (p<0.001, OR = 6.37, 95% CI = 2.42–16.69) and a family history of depression (p=0.023, OR = 2.57, 95% CI = 1.02–6.42).

A sufficient family income was associated with a lower risk of depression (p=0.013, OR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.06–0.77).

The prevalence of depression is within the range of the worldwide prevalence.

Past psychological trauma and a family history of depression were significant risk factors, while a sufficient income was protective.