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
Citation
Master Of Science In Mental Health Nursing Degree, University Of Nairobi, 2014Publisher
University of Nairobi