A Case Control Study of Subjective Quality of Life in Outpatients with Depression

Abstract

Background: Depression is one of the leading causes of disability including impairment in the subjective Quality of Life (QOL) of the patient. Unfortunately, only a fraction receives the correct diagnosis and treatment in general practice. This study aims to determine the subjective Quality of Life of depressed patients. Method: A representative sample of adults, 18 years and above (100 each for cases and controls), were assessed for QOL using the World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument (WHOQOL-BREF). Respondents were also evaluated for socio-demographic factors. Major depressive disorder was assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Severity of depression was measured using Hamilton's Rating Scale for Depression and global functioning was assessed with the Global Assessment of Functioning scale. Results: Majority of the participants were females (62.0%) and young with a mean age of 39.11 ± 12.40 years. Overall subjective QOL (P < 0.033), as well as the physical (P < 0.002), psychological (P < 0.001), social (P < 0.006) and environmental (P < 0.048) domains were significantly impaired in depressed patients compared to healthy control. Global functioning was also impaired (P < 0.001) in depressed patients compared to healthy control. Conclusion: The finding of the study showed that depression is a serious illness that affects the patient's perception of the quality of his/her life. It is therefore very necessary to innovate better treatment modalities to reduce its burden.