Abstract
A study was conducted to determine the factors associated with depression and
suicidal risk among 359 residents aged 35 years and older living in Ko Sichang district,
Chonburi Province. The subjects were recruited by random sampling from the household registry. Information was obtained using the questionnaires prepared for the detection of
depression and suicidal risk by the Department of Mental Health of Thailand’s Ministry
of Public Health. Chi-square test and probit regression analysis were used to determine
the factors associated with depression and suicidal risk. Of the 359 persons interviewed,
35.93 percent were male and 64.06 percent female; 34.26 percent of them were aged 40-49
years and 64.35 percent had an educational level of primary school; 59.33 percent had a
monthly income of less than 5,000 baht; and 38.44 percent suffered a chronic disease. The
care-givers who accompanied the study population to the health-care centers for treatment
were mainly their family members (53.20%). Of the persons surveyed, 22.56 percent
suffered depression (depressive score > 6) and 13.37 percent were at risk of suicide
(suicidal score > 2). It was apparent that chronic illness was a significant factor associated
with depression, while higher educational levels and having intimate care from family
members or relatives such as accompanying them for health-care services seemed to reduce
depression. Having a chronic disease was also a significant factor associated with
an increase in suicidal risk. Further prevention or reduction of depression or suicidal risk
among people with a chronic disease is essential. Family members and relatives may help
this population at risk to reduce their depression.
