ASSOCIATION OF LOWER SELF ESTEEM WITH DEPRESSION: A CASE CONTROL STUDY

Objectives: To estimate the level of low-self esteem in index depressed patients and compare them with their first-degree relatives to determine low selfesteem as a risk factor for depressionMaterial and Methods: This case control study (150 cases and 150 controls) was conducted on adult depressed patients (cases) and their healthy first-degree relatives (controls) attending psychiatric out patientsʹ clinic ofthe Aga Khan University Hospital from April 1, 2005 to September 1, 2005. Wt used convenient method ofsampling. Self-esteem was measured by Urdu version ofRosenberg Self-esteem Scale. Logistic regression was applied for multivariate analysis.Results: Out of300 (169 males, 131 females) participants, 216(75%) were married. Cases and controls were fairly matched on socio demographic variables except on marital status, educational level and monthly income that showed significant difference. Main logistic regression shows that depressed patients had significantly lower selfesteem than non depressed population (OR= 8.05, 95%>CI -3.5-14; p=0.001). Male gender had lower self-esteem (0R=3.50, p=0.005). Self-esteem increased with advancing age. Age group 55-65 had the highest level of self-esteem (OR, .45.CI, 3-4.2, p=0.005). Undergraduates had significantly lower level ofself-esteem (OR 2, CI.03-1.18, p =0.005). Depressed patients, having the illness for more than one year, were 2.75 times more likely to have lower self-esteem (OR 2.75, CI, .972.5, p= 0.001).Conclusion: Association ofdepression and low selfesteem as a state was replicated. Duration ofillness and male gender were significantly associated with low self-esteem