Influence of socio-economic deprivation on the prevalence and outcome of depression in primary care - The Hampshire Depression Project

Background Health inequalities exist for many disorders, but the contributi on of deprivation to the prevalence and outcome of depressive symptoms in p rimary care populations has been infrequently studied. Aims To examine the influence of jarman under-privileged area (UPA) scores on the prevalence and outcome of depressive symptoms in general practice pa tients. Method 18 414 patients attending 55 representative practices completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and a questionnaire for employment st atus. Outcome of those screening positive was assessed at 6 weeks and 6 mon ths. Results The UPA score accounted for 48.3% of the variance between practices in prevalence of depressive symptoms. Attending a high UPA score practice predicted persistence of depressive symptoms to 6 months. Conclusions The socio-economic deprivation of a practice locality is a powe rful predictor of the prevalence and persistence of depressive symptoms. Declaration of interest The study was funded by the Medical Research Counci l. No conflict of interest known.