Association of sociodemographic factors with depression in women of reproductive age.
BACKGROUND
. Women suffer disproportionately from depression, which has a high prevalence in developing countries. Sociodemographic factors are associated with depression, some of which may be modifiable and lead to better outcomes for depression among women.


OBJECTIVE
. To determine sociodemographic factors associated with depression among women of reproductive age in Karachi.


METHODS
. A case control study was conducted on 376 women in 2 hospitals in Karachi. Patients were diagnosed by psychiatrists and family physicians by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.) criteria and SRQ20.


RESULTS
. The odds for women with depression being married for >5 years, being abused by in-laws, spending ≤3 hours per day with their spouses, and being just satisfied or not satisfied with their married life was more than that for controls.


CONCLUSIONS
. The authors' findings highlight the important modifiable risk factors for depression, which if addressed will help decrease the burden of depression among women.
Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. faridah.amin@aku.edu
Faridah Amir
FA
Ali
Rukhsana W
RW
Zuberi
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D017579:Domestic Violence / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D010154:Pakistan / Q000453:epidemiology; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012307:Risk Factors; D057566:Self Report; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult