Abstract

Background: Modern life is full of hassles, deadlines, frustrations, and demands. Chronic stressful life situations can increase the risk of developing depression. Depression is an illness that affects both the mind and the body and is a leading cause of disability, workplace absenteeism, decreased productivity, and high suicide rates. Globally, more than 350 million people of all ages suffer from depression. Depression may also sap the youthful energy of a medical student. It can make him dull and stifle his capacity to face the challenging situations that arise in medical profession.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of depression among post-graduate residents in a tertiary health-care institute and its correlates.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was undertaken among 120 post-graduate residents of Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana during 1st June to 30th June 2013 using Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) questionnaire. The BDI is a 21-item self-administered instrument, rated on 4-point scale ranging from 0 to 3 and the total score being 63. Result: Of the 120 residents, 73 (61%) were males and 47 (39%) females. Nearly two-thirds of them (62%) were above 30 years of age and the rest (38%) below 30 years. Overall prevalence of depression was found to be 17% (Borderline and above in Beck depression inventory II). The residents above 30 years of age group and those who were married had significantly less prevalence of depression. The residents with history of smoking and alcohol consumption had higher odds [1.500 (0.572–3.931)] of having depression compared to those who did not. Conclusion: Our study found that nearly one-fifth residents were in depression. People with age <30 years, marital status (Unmarried), residents of clinical branch, and high workload were found to be significant risk factors for depression.