Prevalence of Depression and Suicidal Behaviors Am

Authors: F AlMaskari S M Shah R AlSharhan E AlHaj K AlKaabi D Khonji J D Schneider N J Nagelkerke R M Bernsen

Publish Date: 2011/04/19

Volume: 13, Issue: 6, Pages: 1027-

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Abstract

Migrant workers comprise 80 of the population of the United Arab Emirates but there is little research on their mental health To determine the prevalence and correlates of depression among workers living in labor camps we conducted a crosssectional survey in labor camps in Al Ain city The Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale DASS42 was used to assess depression and suicidal ideation among the study participants Off the 319 contacted workers agreed to participate however 239 fully completed the DASS42 The prevalence of a score =10 “depression” was 251 60/239 Depression was correlated with physical illness 97/301 adjusted odds ratioAOR = 29 95 CI 226–518 working in construction industry prevalence 124/304 AOR = 22 95CI 156–383 earning less than 1000 UAE Dirham per month prevalence 203/314 AOR = 18 95CI 133–316 and working more than 8 h a day prevalence 213/315 AOR = 27 95CI 119–627 20/261 63 of the study participants reported thoughts of suicide and 8/265 25 had attempted suicide People with suicidal ideation were more likely to have a physical illness AOR = 81 95CI 249–2667 earn less than 1000 UAE Dirham per month AOR = 598 95CI 126–2845 and work for more than 8 h a day AOR = 835 95CI 103–6723 The study identified self reported indicators of a substantial burden of depression and thoughts of selfharm among laborers surveyed Policy level intervention and implementation is needed to improve working conditions including minimum wages and regulation of working hours is recommended

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