Influence of socio-economic deprivation on the prevalence and outcome of depression in primary care: the Hampshire depression project

Ostler, K., Thompson, C., Kinmonth, A.-L.K., Peveler, R.C., Stevens, L. and Stevens, A. (2001) Influence of socio-economic deprivation on the prevalence and outcome of depression in primary care: the Hampshire depression project. British Journal of Psychiatry, 178 (1), 12-17. (doi:10.1192/bjp.178.1.12).

Abstract

Declaration of interest: The study was funded by the Medical Research Council. No conflict of interest known.
Background: Health inequalities exist for many disorders, but the contribution of deprivation to the prevalence and outcome of depressive symptoms in primary care populations has been infrequently studied.
Aims: To examine the influence of Jarman under-privileged area (UPA) scores on the prevalence and outcome of depressive symptoms in general practice patients.
Method: 18 414 patients attending 55 representative practices completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and a questionnaire for employment status. Outcome of those screening positive was assessed at 6 weeks and 6 months.
Results: The UPA score accounted for 48.3% of the variance between practices in prevalence of depressive symptoms. Attending a high UPA score practice predicted persistence of depressive symptoms to 6 months.
Conclusions: The socio-economic deprivation of a practice locality is a powerful predictor of the prevalence and persistence of depressive symptoms.

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Contributors

Author: R.C. Peveler

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