Prevalence of depression among people with diabetes attending diabetes clinics at primary health settings

ABSTRACT

To study the prevalence of depression among diabetics and to examine the relationship between depression and socio-demographic factors, metabolic control and diabetes complications. A Cross-Sectional Retrospective Clinical Study. Four Primary Health Care Centers. Two hundred and sixty-four patients were surveyed for the presence of depressive symptoms using Beck Depression Inventory [BDI] scale. In addition, patients' records were reviewed to abstract the following data socio-demographic characteristics including age, sex, marital status, level of education, smoking status, Body Mass Index [BMI], duration of diabetes, control of diabetes, use of insulin, presence of diabetic complications, presence of co-morbid conditions including hypertension and hyperlipidemia and the use of antidepressant[s]. Eighty-eight patients [33.3%] scored 16 or more on BDI scale. One hundred and sixty patients [60.6%] of the total sample were females. Statistical significant association was found between high BDI score [>/= 16] and sex, obesity [BMI >/= 30kg/m[2]], nephropathy, ischemic heart disease, and the use of insulin. No significant association between BDI score and metabolic control, duration of diabetes, other socio-demographic factors and diabetic complications was found. It was found that only 6 [2.3%] patients were on antidepressants. Although about one third of the screened patients were potential cases of depression, the great majority were under-recognized and undertreated. Hence, psychosocial assessment should be part of initial and ongoing evaluation of these patients to improve their quality of life and decrease adverse outcomes: