Prevalence, awareness, and burden of major depressive disorder in urban China.
OBJECTIVE
This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence and burden of major depressive disorder (MDD) among adults in urban China.


METHODS
Data were included from the 2012 China National Health and Wellness Survey. Respondents self-reporting physician diagnosis of depression and screening positive for MDD (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), plus those screening positive for MDD, but undiagnosed and not experiencing depression, were compared with non-depressed controls. Outcomes included health-related quality of life (HRQoL), productivity loss, and resource utilization. Multivariable models assessed outcomes as a function of MDD, controlling for covariates.


RESULTS
MDD prevalence was 6.0%; only 8.3% of these respondents were diagnosed, among whom 51.5% currently used prescription medication for depression. Adults with MDD (diagnosed or undiagnosed) reported significantly poorer HRQoL and greater productivity loss and resource utilization than controls.


CONCLUSIONS
MDD in urban China may be under-diagnosed and undertreated. Awareness and better access to treatments may help alleviate the burden of MDD.
a Health Outcomes Practice , Kantar Health , Princeton , NJ , USA.
Shaloo
S
Gupta
b Health Outcomes Practice, Kantar Health , New York , NY , USA.
Amir
A
Goren
c Health Economics & Outcomes Research , Pfizer Investment Co., Ltd , Beijing , China.
Peng
P
Dong
c Health Economics & Outcomes Research , Pfizer Investment Co., Ltd , Beijing , China.
Dongdong
D
Liu
D000328:Adult; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004526:Efficiency; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011788:Quality of Life; D014505:Urban Population; D055815:Young Adult
health-related quality of life; major depressive disorder; prevalence; productivity loss; resource utilization; urban China