Prevalence of depression and associated factors among adults: The PERSIAN Guilan cohort study (PGCS).

Aim: Depression is one of the most common mental disorders and affects many people around the world. Studies show different and conflicting prevalence rates in Iran. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors for depression in the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies of the Iranian Adults (PERSIAN) Guilan cohort study (PGCS). Subject and methods: In this cross-sectional study, the population consisted of 10,520 individuals aged 35–70 years in the PGCS (Sowme'eh Sara, Guilan, Iran), which was conducted in 2014–2017. Demographic, anthropometric, and self-report depression data were used, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16.0 software. Results: The prevalence of depression was 5.2% in this study and was more prevalent in women than in men (7.3% vs. 2.8%). According to the adjusted analysis, depression was significantly associated with female gender, being divorced, being unemployed, higher educational level, less physical activity, and presence of a chronic disease. Conclusion: Pre-existence of underlying disease is likely to be the greatest risk factor associated with higher prevalence of depression. In light of these findings, there is a need to improve evidence-based and suitable community-based primary and secondary psychological health prevention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]