The aim is to determine the prevalence and incidence of depression for an Azerbaijani female sample and explore the impact of cultural factors on depression.

To determine: the optimal cut-off point of ZDRS; the point prevalence and 3 month incidence of depression; risk factors for depression. To compare the depression prevalence in the two language groups of the Azerbaijani population (Azerbaijani-speaking and Russian-speaking) for determining possible impact of cultural factors on depression.

The first screening with ZDRS (Az) and ZDRS (Ru) were carried out with 1500 research participants, who filled out the questionnaires at their homes. All the screened subjects who score 40 and more on ZDRS were examined by MINI. True-positive and false-positive results were defined. Ten percent of the screened subjects, who score less than 40 on ZDRS were randomly chosen for clinical interviews to define true-negative and false-negative results. According to the analysis the optimal cut-off point of ZDRS in the Azerbaijani female population was found with the definition of its sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value. Based on the optimal cut-off point of ZDRS, point prevalence and incidence of depression was determined in Azerbaijan. The follow-up screening was conducted to determine the 3 month incidence of depression.

The determined prevalence and incidence of depression will be reported with the optimal cut-off point of ZDRS.

The results of the current study suggested that the ZDRS was a valid tool for use in screening patients with depression disorders but need a modification.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.