Prevalence of depression, panic and somatoform disorders and its association with social determinants of health in the population of 15 years and over in Manisa

Background and Aim Mental illness is not only associated with emotional, cognitive and behavioral conditions but also social determinants of health. The aim of the study is to explore the prevalence of depression, panic disorder and somatoform disorder and their association with social determinants in a population of 15 years and over in Manisa District. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between March–June 2014 in Manisa District. The minimum sample size estimated for the over 15 years of age population of Manisa (n = 1,086,255) assuming 12% expected prevalence was 1,014 people. The sample size was inflated by 40% for possible nonresponse. The sample was randomly selected from the database of family physician registration system. Dependent variable was mental illness determined by the Brief PHQ-r Questionnaire. Independent variables were age, gender, education, employment status, occupational class, equivalent income per capita, income perception, housing conditions, number of people in the household, person per room and migration. Logistic regression method was used to calculate age adjusted odds ratios in 95% confidence intervals of independent variables for existence of mental illness using SPSS 15.0. The study was approved by the Ethical Board of Non-Clinical Studies in Dokuz Eylul University. Results 1,038 people were interviewed. The access rate was 72.9%. The prevalence of somatization disorder was 9%, depression was 5% and panic disorder was 3%. Prevalence of mental illness was 14 %. Mental illness in women (22.3%) was higher than men (4.1%) (ORadj=7.7 %95 GA: 4.4-13.5). Mental illness was 4.4 fold higher in temporary workers compared to professionals (ORadj=4.4 (%95 GA: 1.4-13.3)), and 5.0 fold higher in employers/self-employed compared to professionals (ORadj=5.0 (1.3-19.4)). There was not a significant difference between 'blue-collar/agriculture workers' vs professionals. Mental illness was higher in people with low income perception compared to middle/high income perception (ORadj =1.6 (1.1-2.4)). Mental illness was higher in those who migrated in the last five years compared to those who did not (ORadj =1.7 (1.0-2.7)). There was not a significant difference in mental illness prevalence in terms of age, education level, equivalent household income level or housing conditions. Conclusion Mental illness prevalence was higher in women, in temporary workers and employers/self-employed people, in those with low income perception. For policymakers, in order to prevent mental illness, focusing on these social determinants can have a greater impact at the population level.