Prevalence and Factors Associated with Depression among Rural Communities in Negeri Sembilan, Peninsular Malaysia

Aims: To determine the prevalence of depression and factors associated with depression among rural communities in Negeri Sembilan, Peninsular Malaysia.
Study Design: A cross-sectional study with simple random sampling.
Place and Duration of Study: Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, between June 2013 and July 2013.
Methodology: A total of 223 respondents participated in this study. Data were collected by face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used as a screening tool to detect the presence of depression.
Results: The prevalence of depression among the rural communities was 7.6%. Non-bumiputra (OR = 3.90; 95% CI: 1.25, 12.18), low education level (OR = 2.65; 95% CI: 1.18, 5.94), smoking (OR = 4.69; 95% CI: 1.69, 13.05), no alcohol consumption (OR = 8.90; 95% CI: 1.71, 46.29), practice healthy diet (OR = 4.83; 95% CI: 1.07, 21.18) and did not exercise regularly (OR = 3.07; 95% CI: 1.40, 6.73) were factors associated with depression.
Conclusion: Early detection of individuals with depression is crucial to initiate treatment to reduce or minimize morbidity and mortality.