Relationship between Sociodemographic Factors and Depression in Australian Population Aged 16-85 Years

Globally, it is estimated that 5% of adults suffer from depressive disorder. The current study aimed to investigate the association of sociodemographic factors with depression from the Australian national survey data. The analysis utilized the 2007 Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing data upon 8841 participants aged 16 to 85 years. The outcome measures were lifetime depression and depression symptoms in the 12 months prior to the survey. Analytical techniques included binary logistic regression technique. The prevalence of lifetime depression was 15.2% (18.2% in females vs. 11.5% in males, p < 0.001) and a 12-month depression was 6.1% (7.4% in females vs. 4.5% in males, p < 0.001). For every year increase of age, there was a 1% decrease in the odds of lifetime depression and a 2% decrease of 12-month depression. There was a 20% less chance for lifetime depression and 33% less chance for 12-month depression for the fifth quintile compared to the first quintile of household income. Level of education was not significant. Depression is more common in younger aged people in Australian population, and significantly higher among females, and in people with low socioeconomic status. Appropriate intervention programs need to be conducted among this specific group.

Automated summary

Globally, around 5% of adults suffer from depressive disorder. This study examined the association between sociodemographic factors and depression using data from a national survey in Australia. The findings showed that depression is more prevalent among younger individuals, females, and those with lower socioeconomic status in the Australian population. Appropriate intervention programs should be implemented for this specific group.