Factors associated with depression among the Lebanese population: Results of a cross‐sectional study

Objective The aim of this study was to assess factors associated with depression in a representative sample of the Lebanese population. Design/Methods A cross‐sectional study, conducted between November 2017 and March 2018, enrolled 789 participants. Depression was measured using the Arabic version of the Hamilton Depression Scale. Results The participants’ mean age was 30.30 ± 12.52 years (54.8% males). More than half of the participants had depressive symptoms (59.7%). Anxiety ( β  = .457), alcohol dependence ( β  = .290), suicidal ideation ( β  = 1.427), high socioeconomic status ( β  = 1.910), being widowed ( β  = 4.564), and physical work fatigue ( β  = .090) were significantly associated with higher depression. Higher social emotional awareness was significantly associated with lower depression ( β  = −.176). Practice Implications This study sheds light on high levels of psychological distress and depression among the Lebanese general population and suggests potential preventative strategies.