Paper Title
PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PATIENTS VISITING THE FAMILY MEDICINE CLINICS IN THE EMPLOYEE HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN KING FAHAD MEDICAL CITY

Abstract
Abstract Objective: The present study aimed at measuring the prevalence of depression and identifying its associated factors among patients visiting the family medicine clinics in the employee health department in King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. Method: This was a cross-sectional study that was performed in the employee health department at King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh city. A convenient sample of 297 patients was recruited in this study. To collect data, the researchers used a questionnaire consisting of a demographic data section and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale to achieve the study objectives. Results: The results of the study showed that depression was prevalent at all levels among the study participants as follows: mild depression (27.6%), moderate depression (17.5%), moderately severe depression (6.7%), and severe depression (4.7%). In addition, the study found that there were no significant statistical differences in depression score between the enrolled patients based on employment status (p=0.92), gender (p=0.74), marital status (p=0.06), nationality (p=0.88), educational level (p=0.94), monthly income (0.41), BMI (p=0.27) and physical activity time (p=0.16). Conclusion: The study concluded that there is an increase in moderate depression levels among the patients attending the family medicine clinic at the employee health department in King Fahad Medical city. In addition, the study concluded that patients’ employment status, gender, marital status, nationality, educational level, monthly income, BMI and physical activity time are not associated with depression levels among the study participants. The study recommended increasing patients’ awareness and knowledge regarding coping strategies and the identification of depressive symptoms and depression signs and symptoms. Keywords - Depression, Prevalence, employee health, PHQ-9, King Fahad Medical City.