[Evaluation of the program for detection and treatment of depression in Chilean primary health care centers]

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 attendance to medical appointments and those that abandoned treatment, BDI score decreased by 35, 37 and 13%, respectively.

Conclusions: This primary care program for depression was effective to reduce BDI scores. Diagnostic precision of primary care teams must be improved.