Depression Symptoms and Risk Factors in Adult Emergency Department Patients: A Multisite Cross-Sectional Prevalence Survey

Abstract

Objectives. To identify the proportion of adult emergency department (ED) patients who screen positive for depression. Secondary aims were to identify factors associated with a positive depression screen and determine predictors of a positive depression screen. Methods. This cross-sectional, prevalence survey of ED patients was conducted at two inner-city hospitals. 350 ED patients were screened for depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Clinical and demographic risk factors were examined through medical records and additional questionnaires. Results. Of 350 participants screened, 50 (14.3%; 95% CI = 11.0–18.4%) screened positive. Independent predictors of depression ri..