Prevalence of Undetected Depression and assosciated Factors Among Patients Attending Physiotherapy at Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

Background: Globally depression is the leading cause of disability, with Kenya is ranking fifth with the highest number of depression cases among African countries. Despite literature showing a strong connection between physical well-being and mental health, the screening for depression or other mental health disorders is currently inconsistent and this greatly reduces their chance of accessing suitable treatment. Study Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence of depression among patients attending the Physiotherapy clinic at Kenyatta National Hospital. Methodology: This study will make use of a descriptive cross-sectional design. Population of interest are patients receiving physiotherapy at Kenyatta National Hospital. Systematic random sampling will be used to get 300 respondents. A researcher designed socio-demographic questionnaire and the Becks Depression inventory (BDI II) will be used to collect the data Data Analysis: Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 25. Association between variables will be determined using Pearson’s Chi square. Pearson’s correlation (r) will be used to determine the direction of the relationships between continuous variables. Correlations between categorical variables will be determined using Cramer’s Phi coefficient and Phi coefficient for binominal variables. Results will be presented in tables, pie charts and narrative. Study Significance: This study will be beneficial in that it will provide some much-needed local data on commonality of depression which will assist in coming up with guidelines on how to manage patients attending physiotherapy with co-morbid depression, as it has been noted that it also affects compliance to treatment. This may be of major importance in forecasting outcomes, adapting treatment strategies and maximizing patient benefit. Early detection and appropriate management are encouraged in current intervention guidelines on the premise that it’s to improved outcomes, minimizing financial cost to the individual and society (Ali, Zangana, & Tahir, 2009). The data from the study will also help the patients and the clinicians to better understand the association between physiotherapy and depression which can help in betterment of their management