OBJECTIVES : This study aims to assess the impact of depression on the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and to identify socio-demographic factors in favor of depression in Tunisian population.

METHODS : Data were collected from Tunisian participants (n=287) aged 20 years and over using the generic instrument EQ-5D-3L to assess the quality of life. Depression was screened by the two-items patient heath questionnaire (PHQ-2). Regression analyses were used to assess the association between HRQol and depression. Logistic regression was used to identify the sociodemographic factors in favor of depression.

RESULTS : 91 (32%) respondents were screened positive to despression. Significant alteration in HRQoL for respondents with an PHQ-2 score in favour of depression (coefficient = -0.718, p=0.000).This remained significant after controlling for age, sex, marital status, professionnel status and education (p<0.05).Two socio-demographic factors in favor of depression were identified: female sex (OR=1.77, p<0.05) and lack of higher education (OR=2.235, p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS : Depression has a significant impact on HRQoL. Female sex and lack of higher education were strongly correlated to depression.