Explaining experiences of depression in cities representing the Fars, Turk and Kurd ethnic groups of Iran: A qualitative study

Background and Objectives: Depression is one of the most important mental disorders affecting 350 million people in the world. The aim of this study was to explore the similarities and differences in the symptoms and experiences of depression in cities representing the Fars, Turk, and Kurd ethnic groups of Iran. Methods: A qualitative study was implemented in three ethnic groups in Iran between April 2016 and March 2017 using individual interviews with 44 depressed patients, 20 people of their relatives, and three key informants in Tehran (Fars), Tabriz (Turk), and Sanandaj (Kurd) cities. The data were analyzed using directed content analysis. Results: The analysis of the data led to the extraction of four main themes, including cognitive, behavioral, physical, and emotional/motivational symptoms. Conclusions: The study findings would help to explore various expressions of depression and provide a multidimensional construct to develop the culturally specific measurement of depression in three different ethnic groups.