title: Do rates of depression vary by level of alcohol misuse in Australian general practice?
abstract: Limited data exist regarding co-occurring alcohol misuse and depression among general practice patients. This study examined the prevalence of depression by level of alcohol misuse, and the sociodemographic factors associated with depression and increased alcohol misuse severity. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 3559 Australian general practice patients. Patients completed their demographic details, the Patient Health Questionnaire (9-item) and the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (Consumption items). The prevalence of alcohol misuse and depression was 6.7%, and depression prevalence varied significantly according to level of alcohol misuse (P<0.001). Age, gender, Aboriginality and number of chronic diseases were associated with depression and higher levels of alcohol misuse. These findings may assist General Practitioners in identifying those at risk of experiencing co-morbid depression and alcohol use, and aid in effective treatment and referral.
authors.affiliation: Health Behaviour Research Group, HMRI Building, University of Newcastle, NSW 208, Australia.
authors.forename: Breanne
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hobden
authors.affiliation: Health Behaviour Research Group, HMRI Building, University of Newcastle, NSW 208, Australia.
authors.forename: Jamie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bryant
authors.affiliation: Health Behaviour Research Group, HMRI Building, University of Newcastle, NSW 208, Australia.
authors.forename: Rob
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sanson-Fisher
authors.affiliation: Public Health Stream, Hunter Medical Research Institute, HMRI Building, NSW 2308, Australia.
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Oldmeadow
authors.affiliation: Health Behaviour Research Group, HMRI Building, University of Newcastle, NSW 208, Australia.
authors.forename: Mariko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Carey
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires