Prevalence of Depression in Medical Staff in KSA: Cross Sectional Study

Background: According to the international classification system ICD -10 (International Classification of Diseases), doctors speak of a mild depressive episode if at least two main symptoms such as depressed mood and lack of drive and two additional symptoms such as feelings of guilt and sleep disorders occur. In a moderately depressed phase, there are two main symptoms and at least three, but no more than four other symptoms. Major depressive episodes are diagnosed when all three main symptoms and at least four additional symptoms are present. In addition, the complaints must last for at least two weeks. In the American classification system DSMIV is referred to as "major depression" (corresponds to a severe depressive episode) and "minor depression" in the case of a less severe episode.

Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study to spot light on the relationship between different chronic conditions and variables, specifically: age group, gender, medical specialty, years of experience, nationality, Vitamin D deficiency, Diabetes mellitus, and hypertension; and depression symptoms, among Saudi and non-Saudi medical staff in the KSA.

Results and Conclusion: Results of this study concluded that there is a significant relationship found between depressive symptoms and gender, specialty, years of experience, and vitamin D deficiency. Relationship with age group, nationality, diabetes mellitus and hypertension, is not statistically significant. These results are concordant, in most parts of this study, with the previous studies in different times and regions, done for nearly similar purposes.