Co-occurrence of self-reported depression, chronic diseases and physical limitation among adults living in Puerto Rico

As reported by the World Health Organization, depression is affecting the working and social lives of approximately more than 150 million persons at any point in time. Co-occurrence of depression, chronic diseases and physical limitation could be associated with a poorer health status and a shorter life expectancy. The objective of this study is to evaluate associations between self-reported lifetime prevalence of depression, chronic diseases and physical limitation among adults living in Puerto Rico between 2004-2005 years. Data from 28,406 interviews of a nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized adults, aged 18 and older, was analyzed. Subjects who reported depression were three times more likely to report a combination of 4 or more chronic diseases than those who did not report depression (POR=3.43, CI95%:2.80-4.20). Chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and asthma were more likely (p<0.001) to be reported by those with depression in comparison with those that did not report depression (POR=1.88, 1.60, 1.66, respectively). The chronic conditions with the highest difference (p<0.001) among groups were herniated discs (POR=5.53) and migraine (POR=2.52). Also, subjects with a self-report of depression were approximately five times more likely to have work disabilities or disabilities realizing daily or personal activities (POR=4.80, CI95%:4.27-5.41) than the comparison group. Results imply a higher comorbidity and disabilities among those adults who reported depression in Puerto Rico. Also, results may suggest that primary care physicians could play an important role in depression recognition and management in adults with comorbidities or disabilities.