Abstract :
Background: Depressive disorder (also known as Depression) is a common mental disorder. Depression is about 50% more common among women than among men.
Objective: The aim of study was to estimate the prevalence of depression and associated socio-demographic factors in a rural area.
Materials and Methods: A community based cross sectional study was performed in 2023, among women aged more than 18 years in the rural field practice of Katihar medical college. The prevalence of depression was determined using Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS). The total 1566 women were interviewed in their houses using a systematic random sampling method. The socio-demographic factors were recorded by using a semi structured proforma.
Results: The current prevalence of depression in study population was 3.26% and lesser education, lower socio-economic status, living separately, divorced and husband’s substance abuse were predictors for depression among women.
Conclusion: In this study we conclude that high prevalence of depression was found among women residing in rural area. higher chances of being depressed was found in women with less education, women with marital issues and lower socio-economic status and mental health training and counselling is only way to improve the mental health of the women in rural area.
Keyword :
Depression, Rural women, Socio-economic status, Education.