Lifetime prevalence and determinants of antidepressant usage in a 2015 cross-sectional South Australian sample

There is disagreement over the demographic risk factors for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Using data from the 3,005 participants of the 2015 Health Omnibus Survey, previously researched determinants as well as bullying and sexual assault exposure were investigated as predictors of depression. MDD predictors were hypothesised to include: Indigenous ethnicity, female gender, experience of bullying or sexual assault, age under 25, lower socioeconomic status and non-metropolitan residence. Lifetime MDD was inferred via any previous use of antidepressants. Chi square tests and a binary logistic regression were used to calculate the adjusted odds ratios. Results showed that Indigenous ethnicity, rural residence and age under 25 years did not predict antidepressant use. However, female gender, exposure to bullying or sexual abuse, age and socioeconomic status were significant predictors. Future research should investigate the interactions between these factors, investigate other determinants and examine causal pathways for more informed Government interventions.