Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Comparative Study
. 2008;38(2):169-84.
doi: 10.2190/PM.38.2.d.

Comorbidity of depression with chronic diseases: a population-based study in Aleppo, Syria

Nael Kilzieh  1 , Samar Rastam, Wasim Maziak, Kenneth D Ward
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Comorbidity of depression with chronic diseases: a population-based study in Aleppo, Syria

Nael Kilzieh et al. Int J Psychiatry Med. 2008.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the comorbidity and correlates of depression in chronic diseases in the community in Aleppo, Syria. This has never been previously investigated in an Arab country.

Method: We conducted a cross-sectional, population-based study in Aleppo on adults aged 18-65 (N = 2038). We collected data utilizing a structured interview questionnaire. Socio-demographics, general health information, and self-report of physician-diagnosed depression and chronic diseases active in the past year were obtained. We used logistic regression to estimate the odds of depression in chronic diseases and socio-demographic correlates of depression comorbid with chronic diseases.

Results: Mean age (SD) was 35.3 (12.1) years, 55% were female. In women, predictors of depression were heart disease (OR = 3.95, 95% CI: 1.50-10.40), hypertension (OR = 2.92, 95% CI: 1.53-5.55), and kidney disease (OR = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.64-5.32). Depression comorbidity with any chronic disease decreased in higher socio-economic status (middle vs. low: OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.12-0.65; high vs. low: OR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.05-0.81). In men, predictors of depression were rheumatism (OR = 7.10, 95% CI: 2.58-19.60) and respiratory disease (OR = 3.77, 95% CI: 1.23-11.60). Depression comorbidity decreased in residence in formal zones (OR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.06-0.80).

Conclusion: Depression is associated with many chronic diseases in the community in Aleppo, a finding consistent with reports from other cultures. Potential gender-related risk factors were identified. Findings inform public mental health planning and support the delivery of depression treatment in primary care settings.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. Sutor B, Rummans TA, Jowsey SG, Krahn LE, Martin MJ, O'Connor MK, et al. Major depression in medically ill patients. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 1998;73:329–337. - PubMed
    1. Polsky D, Doshi JA, Marcus S, Oslin D, Rothbard A, Thomas N, et al. Long-term risk for depressive symptoms after a medical diagnosis. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2005;165:1260–1266. - PubMed
    1. Katon W, Ciechanowski P. Impact of major depression on chronic medical illness. Journal of Psychosomatic Research. 2002;53:859–863. - PubMed
    1. Ganguli M, Dodge HH, Mulsant BH. Rates and predictors of mortality in an aging, rural, community-based cohort: the role of depression. Archives of General Psychiatry. 2002;59:1046–1052. - PubMed
    1. Katon WJ, Lin E, Russo J, Unutzer J. Increased medical costs of a population-based sample of depressed elderly patients. Archives of General Psychiatry. 2003;60:897–903. - PubMed

Publication types