Data.xlsx

<b>Background:</b> Depression is a prevalent mental health condition affecting millions globally, yet its impact on Quality of Life remains incompletely understood. This study looked into the relationship between depression and quality of life, which in developing countries, including Nepal, is yet to be established in people without comorbidities.<b>Methodology</b>: This cross-sectional study recruited 168 participants aged 18-65 years from Kageshwori Manohara Municipality. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire for socio-demographics, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for depression severity, and WHO Quality of Life-Brief version for quality of life. One-on-one interviews were conducted, and data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23. Ethical approval was obtained from the review committee of Kathmandu Medical College, and informed consent was taken from all participants, ensuring confidentiality.<b>Results:</b> Depression was found in 39.3% of participants. It was negatively correlated with all WHOQOL-BREF domains: physical (AOR = -0.282, p = 0.000), psychological (AOR = -0.322, p = 0.000), social (AOR = -0.235, p = 0.002), and environmental (AOR = -0.154, p = 0.046). Participants with depression had significantly lower scores across all domains, underlining the substantial impact of depression on quality of life. The findings suggest that depression is influenced by various life stressors and social factors, emphasizing the need for targeted mental health interventions.<b>Conclusion:</b> Treating depression solely with medication neglects broader determinants of mental health. A decline in quality of life often precedes and exacerbates mental health issues, contributing to the prevalence of depression. Effective mental health interventions should not only focus on pharmacological treatment but also address socioeconomic conditions, social support, and overall well-being to tackle the root causes of mental distress.