Prevalence and Risk Factors of Depression among a Population of Economically-disadvantaged Fishermen in Teluk Bahang, Penang

Aims: To determine the prevalence and identify the risk factors of depression among a population of economically-disadvantaged fishermen in Teluk Bahang, Penang.

Study Design: The research design for this study was analytical cross-sectional design.

Place and Duration of Study: This research was conducted at five fishing villages (Teluk Bahang, Batu Feringghi, Tanjung Bungah, Tanjung Tokong and Gurney Drive) covered by Teluk Bahang Fishermen’s Association during four consecutive weekends in January 2017.

Methodology: Using simple random sampling technique, we selected 242 male fishermen from five fishing villages of Teluk Bahang, who were aged 18 to 75 years old and registered under fishermen’s association to participate in this study. An interview session using a set of pre-validated questionnaire (including socio-demographic characteristics, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Kendler’s Stressful Live Events) was conducted face-to-face with the respondents. We analyzed bivariate associations using chi-square test, and fitted multivariate regression models to determine predictors of depression among the study population, using SPSS version 22.

Results: The prevalence of depression in our study population was 10.7%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the predictors of depression in this study were the level of education (aOR = 0.20, 95% CI 0.055 – 0.754, p=0.017), monthly income (aOR = 3.44, 95% CI 1.044 – 11.348, p=0.04), serious injury due to accident (aOR = 4.97, 95% CI 1.467 – 16.810, p=0.01), and serious problem at work (aOR = 0.13, 95% CI 0.041 – 0.396, p<0.001).

Conclusion: The prevalence of depression in this study was consistent with previous studies in Malaysia, and indicates that depression is a serious problem among fishermen. The findings from this study may be valuable and useful as a benchmark for the development of an effective program to raise awareness and to minimize the stigma associated with depression among the fishermen community.