The Analysis of Factors Influencing the Occurrence of Depression

Abstract

Introduction. Depressions are among the civilization diseases of the 21st century and are disorders in the human psyche. It comes in various age groups and affects children, adolescents, women, men and the elderly. In Poland, over 1.5 million people struggle with depression, and at present, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the incidence has increased to over 3 million.
Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the factors influencing the occurrence of depression.
Material and Methods. The study included 200 people — nurses from treatment and conservative departments. The prevalence of depressive disorders was assessed using the Depression Measurement Questionnaire, which consists of 75 statements — terms referring to the approach to life and everyday life. A self-questionnaire containing questions about the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents was used as a research tool. The obtained results were analysed statistically.
Results. In the case of men, the indicator reached a statistically higher value, i.e. 242.2 points, which means the average level, while for women it amounted to 238.1 points, which means a low level. A low level of the NREAP index was shown by the group of respondents aged 20–30, while a high level was observed among the group of respondents aged 41–50. Nurses with lower education — certified ones showed a low level of the DMQ index, while nurses with higher education with a master’s degree obtained a higher level of the DMQ index. According to the statistical analysis, the low level of the KRP indicator was shown by people working briefly in the profession from 1 to 5 years. People who worked in the profession from 11 to 20 years had a high level of DMQ. Nurses working in the conservative ward showed a low level of the DMQ index, while the index of nurses in the surgical wards remained at the average levels.
Conclusions. Sociodemographic factors had a significant impact on the occurrence of depressive disorders in the studied group. The study also confirmed a large influence of professional factors on the occurrence of depression among nurses. The statistical analysis showed a significant relationship between the gender, age of the respondents and the depression measurement index — DMQ. (JNNN 2021;10(3):126–132)