Prevalence of self-reported depression in Brazil: National Health Survey 2019 and 2013

Abstract

Objective: To describe the prevalence of self-reported depression among Brazilian adults in the 2019 National Health Survey (PNS) and compare to the 2013 PNS. Methods: Cross-sectional study of Brazilian adults using data from the 2019 and 2013 PNS. Prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) of self-reported depression were estimated by region and demographic characteristics. Bivariate analyses were conducted using chi-squared tests. Results: There were 90,846 participants aged ≥ 18 years in 2019, and 60,202 in 2013. Between 2013 and 2019, prevalence of self-reported depression increased from 7.6% (95%CI 7.2;8.1) to 10.2% (95%CI 9.9;10.6) and of individuals who sought healthcare, from 46.4% (95%CI 43.8;49.1) to 52.8% (95%CI 50.7;55.0). Private clinics were the main source of healthcare. Conclusion: Depression is highly prevalent in Brazil. Prevalence of diagnosis of depression and use of health services increased in the studied period. The predominance of care in private clinics suggests inequalities in the improvement of mental healthcare coverage.