S E T T I N G :Both depression and tuberculosis (TB) are global public health problems that have a substantial impact on human health. However, depressive state among TB patients has not been well investigated in the Philippines. O B J E C T I V E : To assess depressive state among pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients and to identify factors associated with depressive state in Manila, the Philippines. D E S I G N : A cross-sectional survey of PTB patients was conducted at 10 public health centres and two nongovernment organisation clinics providing DOTS in District I, Tondo, Manila. Face-to-face interviews with 561 PTB patients using a structured questionnaire were conducted. R E S U LT S : Depressive state was observed in 16.8% of the participants. Logistic regression analysis indicated that body mass index < 18.5 kg/m 2 , marital status of cohabitation compared with married, four or more symptoms, four or more adverse drug reactions, grade 3 or higher on the Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale and low perceived confidant social support were significantly associated with depressive state.