PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DEPRESSION - A STUDY OF SOCIALLYDISADVANTAGED WOMEN WITH YOUNG-CHILDREN

This study aims to use valid measures to a) estimate the prevalence of depressive disorder and b) identify psychosocial factors associated w ith depression in a sample of socially disadvantaged women with childr en. One hundred ninety-three women, recruited through a doorknock of p ublic housing estates completed an interview that included the Diagnos tic Interview Schedule to identify cases of depression and the Mannhei m Interview for Social Support. The women also completed self-report q uestionnaires assessing psychological morbidity, life events, percepti ons of intimate relationships, and personality factors. The 6-month pr evalence of major depression was 17% and the lifetime prevalence 29%. Major depression was associated with perceptions of low parental care during childhood and low case from current partner, vulnerable persona lity style, increased reporting of Life events, and an unsatisfactory social support network.