1Postgraduate, Department of Community Medicine, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India
2Postgraduate, Department of Community Medicine, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India
3Department of Community Medicine, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India
4*Professor, Department of Community Medicine, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India
Email: roshnimp@srmist.edu.in
5Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India
Background: Depression and suicidal ideation are major public health concerns in India, with notable rural–urban disparities. Stigma, limited awareness, and inadequate availability of mental health services contribute to delayed identification and untreated psychological distress, particularly in rural communities.
Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of undetected depression and suicidal ideation and to assess rural–urban differences and associated sociodemographic factors in Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu.
Methods: Adults between the ages about 18 and 49 were included in a six-month community-based cross-sectional study using multistage sampling. Data were collected through household interviews using validated tools including PHQ-9, SOSS, ATSPPH-SF, and SBQ-R. Standard cut-off scores were used to distinguish between depression and suicidal thoughts. IBM SPSS version 26 was used for data analysis, utilizing multivariate logistic regression, chi-square tests, and descriptive statistics.
Results: Among 240 participants, 56.7% were females and 44.6% belonged to the 26–35-year age group. The prevalence of depression was 32.9%, while suicidal ideation was reported by 22.5% of participants. Rural residents showed significantly higher prevalence of depression (41.8% vs. 25.4%) and suicidal ideation (30.9% vs. 15.4%) compared to urban residents (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified rural residence, age ≥30 years, and lower socioeconomic status as independent predictors of depression. Suicidal ideation was strongly associated with the presence of depression, along with rural residence and low socioeconomic status.
Conclusion: A considerable burden of undetected depression and suicidal ideation exists, particularly in rural areas. Strengthening community-based screening, reducing stigma, and integrating mental health services into primary healthcare are urgently required.
Keywords: Depression; Suicidal ideation; Rural health; Mental health services; Stigma; Primary health care.
How to cite this article: Elavazhagan R, Monisha S, Bincy K, Peter RM, Kaveri P. Undiagnosed Depression and Suicidal Ideation Among Adults in Rural and Urban India: A Community-Based Comparative Study. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(6s): 845-852; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.6s.111
Source of support: None
Conflict of interest: None