PHQ-9 is crucial in epidemiology for several reasons:
Prevalence Estimation: It helps in estimating the prevalence of depression in different populations, which is essential for understanding the burden of this mental health condition. Risk Factor Identification: By using PHQ-9 in population studies, researchers can identify risk factors associated with depression, such as socioeconomic status, chronic diseases, and lifestyle factors. Monitoring Trends: It allows for the monitoring of trends in depression over time, which is essential for evaluating the impact of public health interventions and policies.
