Depression and Associated Risk Factors Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Cross Sectional Study on a Convenience Sample from the Diabetic Center, Khamis Mushait; Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background

Studies had confirmed that diabetic patients have a greater risk for developing depression. Our objectives were to estimate the prevalence and predictors of depression among type 2 diabetic patients.

Methods

A cross-sectional study at the Diabetic Center, Armed Forces Hospital-Southern Region (AFHSR), Khamis Mushait was conducted in the period from March to June 2017. The study includes a convenience sample of type 2 diabetic patients. Self-administered questionnaires were utilized. It consists of personal characteristics, diabetes-related information’s, and the Arabic version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Proper statistical analyses were done to assess the significance of the correlates with p ≤ 0.05 considered significant.

Results

The study included 350 diabetic patients out of 410 with a response rate of 85.4%. Their age ranged between 28 and 100 years with a mean ±SD of 61.4±13 years. The prevalence of depression among them was 36.6%. Logistic regression revealed that patients older than 50 years were at lower risk for developing depression as compared to those aged between 28 and 40 years OR and 95% CI were 0.21 (0.08–0.57), 0.30 (0.12–0.78) and 0.33 (0.12–0.91) for patients in the age groups 51–60, 61–70 and > 70 years, respectively. Diabetic patients with thyroid dysfunction, neuropathy, those treated with insulin, and noncompliant patients were at double risk for developing depression compared to their counterparts (OR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.20–4.27, p = 0.012); (OR = 2.35, 95% CI = 1.22–4.53, p = 0.011); (OR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.08–3.40, p = 0.026); (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.01–4.53, p = 0.047) respectively.

Conclusion

Almost one third of type 2 diabetic patients were depressed. Younger patients, having comorbid thyroid disorders or neuropathy, those treated with insulin and noncompliant patients were at higher risk for developing depression. Proper screening and treatment of depression is a crucial part of the health care management of diabetic people.

Keywords:

• depression
• diabetes
• risk factors

Acknowledgment

We are grateful to the administrative support we have received from the head of department of psychiatry AFHSR Dr. Mathami M, the technical support in data processing we have received from Dr. Ahmed Abulyazid MD consultant preventive medicine and editing and proof reading by Mr. Taher Mahmoud.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.