Prevalence of depression and anxiety and their association with cardiovascular risk factors in Northeast Brasil primary care patients

Abstract

Background: Depression and anxiety disorders (DAD) are the most prevalent mental health conditions worldwide. Among the adult population served in basic care, it is estimated that depression affects about 14.3% of these individuals worldwide, and between 21.4% and 31% in Brasil. Anxiety affects up to 33.7% of the population during their lifetimes.

Objectives: estimate the prevalence proportions of DAD among patients in a municipality in Northeast Brasil and study the association between DAD and cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods: a cross-sectional study with the medical records of patients from primary care centers in Jaboatão dos Guararapes, Pernambuco. Patients aged ≥ 18 years and regularly followed-up were included. Exclusion criteria: a history of traumatic brain injury, alcohol or drug abuse, previous stroke, medical conditions or medications that mimic DAD symptoms. Subjects were divided into two groups depending on the presence or absence of DAD, and cardiovascular risk factors were compared between groups.

Results: A total of 1030 subjects were initially included, of whom 215 (20%) were excluded. No-DAD subjects had more history of myocardial infarction and alcoholism. The prevalence of depression was 10.3%, anxiety disorder was 27.1%, and mixed DAD represented 4.5%. There was a significant association between DAD and hypertension (OR = 2.11; 95%CI: 1.16 -3.84; p=0.01), obesity (OR = 4.47; 95%CI: 1.74 -11.46; p=0.002), and hyperlipidemia (OR = 3.88; 95%CI: 1.81-8.3; p<0.001).

Conclusion: DAD were associated with an increased risk for arterial hypertension, obesity, and hyperlipidemia.