Assess the effect of various socio-demographic variables on major depressive disorder among high stigma population: an observational study

Aims: To identify interrelation between chief presenting complains of depressive disorder with level of stigma associated, with reference to patient’s socio economic and demographic back ground. Materials and Methods: With the help of purposive sampling technique a total of 100 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder as per DSM-IV-TR criteria and stigma score above 16, who visited Psychiatry OPD (Out Patient Department), were enrolled into the study. Semi structured proforma for socio-demographics. Hamilton depression rating scale, distress questionnaire and stigma scale from the selected portion of Eplanatory Model Interview Catalogue (EMIC) were used. Results: Mean stigma score calculated was 17.16±1.12. Almost one-third (34%) of the participant of this study complained sadness followed by pain (26%), Mental stress (18%) and other problems (8%) Conclusion: Majority of patients with major depression reported somatic complaints as most troubling which may hinder early recognition. As stigma is positively related with depression severity it may acts as barrier to help seeking. Socio-demographic variables are unrelated with presentation of depression