Depression among patients admitted to medical wards: comparison between a university hospital and regional hospital

Abstract Objective: We aimed to determine the prevalence of depression and to find factors associated with depression in admitted medical patients. The differences in the pattern of depression between a university hospital (UH) and a regional hospital (RH) were determined as well. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was administered among hospitalized patients in medical wards. PHQ-9 could not differentiate between the type of depressive disorder that could be from medical conditions, adjustment disorder with depressed mood, major depressive disorder, or dysthymia. Results: A total of 343 patients (191 in UH, 152 in RH group) with age of 52.1 ± 16.9 years were included. Timing of interview was 4.3 ± 1.4 days after admission. The prevalence of depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 9) was 12% (7.3% in UH vs 17.8% in RH, p < 0.005). According to PHQ-9 scoring, the prevalence of moderate-to-severe depression was 3.8%. Mean PHQ-9 score in RH was significantly higher than in UH (p < 0.001). Multiple baseline characteristics were analyzed by logistic regression and found no factors associated with depression. There was no difference in baseline characteristics of UH patients with depression compared to RH, except for universal health coverage plan. Conclusions: The prevalence of depression was 1 in 10 patients and was found to be more frequent and severe in RH than UH. All patients were at equal risk to develop depression during admission.