Factors That Can Trigger Depression

According to data from the last National Health Survey (PNS), conducted in 2013 by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) in partnership with the Ministry of Health, 7.6% of people aged 18 and over received diagnosis of depression. Therefore, based on this research, the purpose of this study was to identify factors that may be relevant to a possible diagnosis of depression, using machine learning techniques. The binary logistic regression model was chosen as the machine learning technique, with progressive and regressive methods for selecting variables and a model built by the researcher, generating seven different models. The model’s performance evaluation was made by comparing some metrics such as Cox-Snell R2 and Nagelkerke R2, which presented remarkably close results. Based on these models, 37 explanatory variables were selected which were applied to a new logistic regression model. The results showed that some variables significantly increased the chance of a positive diagnosis of depression as well as some variables were indicative of a reduction in the chances of this diagnosis.