PREVALENCE AND RELATED FACTORS OF DEPRESSION IN BUDDHIST MONKS IN PHRA NAKHON SI AYUTTHAYA
Keywords:
Prevalence, depression, Buddhist monksAbstract
Depression is a widespread and serious medical illness that negatively affects physical and mental conditions causing emotional and social malfunctions. Social factors are considered a significant cause of depression; however, the prevalence and related factors of depression in specific populations, such as Buddhist monks, remains unclear. Therefore, this study was aimed at investigating the prevalence and related factors of depression specifically in Buddhist monks. This study was a descriptive study of 416 Buddhist monks who lived in temples located in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province in Thailand, for a period from August 1, 2013 to November 30, 2013 using interviews and physical examinations. Research instruments included a questionnaire for demographic data and the Thai version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, including the Chi square test, Fisher’s exact test, paired T-test, and multiple logistic regressions (p<0.05). The results revealed that the prevalence of depression in Buddhist monks in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District was 20.43% divided into mild, moderate, and severe depression accounting for 17.79%, 2.16%, and 0.48%, respectively. Statistically significant factors related to depression were the educational levels before ordination in uneducated Buddhist monks (AOR 4.77, 95% CI 1.35-16.81) and the previous history of psychiatric disorders (AOR 11.34, 95% CI 2.14-60.02). It could be concluded that it is still necessary to promote mental health to prevent and minimize depression in Buddhist monks. In addition, healthcare providers should emphasize promoting mental health in Buddhist monks so that they can be spiritual assistants for the people.
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