The correlates of undiagnosed depression among patients attending the diabetes outpatient clinic at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem in the world. The prevalence of diabetes in Kenya is estimated at 4.66 %. The comorbidity of diabetes mellitus and depression is associated with poor outcomes. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 181 diabetes patients on follow-up at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH). The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence and the factors associated with undiagnosed depression among diabetes patients. A questionnaire was used to collect data on independent variables. The symptoms of depression were assessed using Beck’s Depression Inventory II (BDI-II).Depression was observed in19 % of the study participants. Female gender, single marital status, low class urban residence, low monthly income and lack of family support were significantly associated with depression (p<0.0001). Others were longer duration of illness, difficulties adhering to treatment, alcohol consumption and lack of family history of diabetes mellitus (p<0.0001). In this study, a significant proportion of diabetes patients have comorbid depression. Untreated depression can have a negative effect on achieving good glycemic control. Integrating routine screening of depression into diabetes primary care settings will lead to early detection and treatment of depression that is usually concealed in diabetes patients