PREVALENCE AND SEVERITY OF DEPRESSION AMONG OPIOID USERS AT A PUBLIC SECTOR TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, KARACHI

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prevalence and severity of depression among opioid users at a public sector tertiary care hospital in Karachi.

Study Design: Descriptive, cross-sectional study.

Setting and Duration: Conducted at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, from April 20, 2021, to October 19, 2021.

Methods: A total of 250 patients aged 18–60 years, predominantly diagnosed with opioid use disorder and presenting with depressive symptoms, were recruited from the outpatient department. Exclusion criteria included pre-existing psychiatric disorders, chronic medical illnesses, or predominant use of non-opioid substances. Sociodemographic and opioid-use data were collected using a semi-structured proforma. Depression was assessed using the Urdu version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), with scores ≥10 considered indicative of depression.

Results: The mean age was 36.64 ± 7.38 years, with 84% aged 18–40 years. Most participants were male (83.6%) with a male-to-female ratio of 5:1. Depression was observed in 88 patients (35.2%): 26 (10.4%) mild, 29 (11.6%) moderate, and 33 (13.2%) severe. Depression was significantly associated with marital status (p=0.0007), ethnicity (p=0.0001), education (p=0.0001), income (p=0.0001), occupation (p=0.0001), family type (p=0.019), and residence (p=0.0005).

Conclusion: Depression is highly prevalent among opioid users, with higher risk among those with extreme ages, lower education, unemployment, and poor socioeconomic status. Screening and appropriate mental health interventions are recommended to reduce morbidity and improve quality of life in this population.