Depressive symptomatology in rural Western Australia: Prevalence, severity, and risk and protective factors

The aims of the current study were to determine the prevalence and severity of self-reported depressive symptomatology in rural Western Australia and to identify some of the risk and protective factors for depressive symptomatology in this population. The point prevalence of mild to severe depressive symptoms in the current sample of rural Western Australians (N = 380) was 24%. A lack of perceived social support emerged as the most salient risk factor for depressive symptoms. Other risk factors were perceived conflict in interpersonal relationships, poor physical health, and a low household income. Higher levels of depressive symptomatology were also related to having no spouse or partner in the home, and preferring to live elsewhere but being tied to the area. It appeared, however, that the former relationship was mediated by a decreased household income and the latter relationship was mediated by conflict in interpersonal relationships. Moderated regression analysis showed that living with a spouse or partner protected rural dwellers from the depressive effects of poor physical health.