Evaluation of the program for detection and treatment of depression in Chilean primary health care centers El programa nacional para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de depresión en atención primaria: Una evaluación necesaria

Abstract

Background: Depression is highly prevalent among Chilean adults, therefore a primary care treatment program was devised. Aim: To evaluate the Program for detection, diagnosis and integral treatment of depression, implemented in Chilean Primary Health Care Centers. Material and Methods: A three and six months follow up study was conducted among women admitted to the program at seven primary health care centers in two regions of Chile. Socio-demographic data, treatments provided and compliance with the program were assessed. A clinical standardized interview (with ICD-10) was carried out and the intensity of depressive symptoms was evaluated using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results: The initial sample was composed by 201 women aged 25 to 65 years. At 6 months, 35% were lost from follow up. Depression was mild, moderate or severe in 12, 63 and 25% of women, respectively. The severity of depression was underestimated by primary care teams. Among women with regular and irregular atten