Presence of Co-morbid Depression among Diabetics of Less than 5 Years Duration in a Tertiary Care Institution, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Depression is a significant co-morbid condition for diabetics. Co-morbid depression results in worsened diabetes complications, deleterious effects on self-care activities, non adherence, and poor treatment outcomes. Aim: To assess the prevalence of depression among type 2 diabetic patients attending a tertiary hospital and to find its association with socio-demographic and lifestyle factors. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was done in the diabetic clinic of Government Stanley Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India between June 2016 and August 2016, involving 500 patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) of less than five years’ duration. The prevalence of depression was calculated using Beck’s Depression Inventory Scale for a period of three months. The results were expressed in proportions, and the association of factors was tested using the Chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression analysis. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study included 500 participants, of whom the majority (276, 55%) were female, with a mean age of 46.2 years. The prevalence of depression was 55 (11%). It was found that being female, illiterate, and unemployed were significantly associated with depression. Among disease-related factors, diabetes duration of 3-5 years, insulin injection usage, and the presence of diabetic complications were significantly associated with depression. Regarding lifestyle factors, the prevalence of depression was significantly higher among those who were non adherent to dietary modification practices and those with family worries and work-related tension. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the independent predictors of depression among diabetics were the presence of diabetic complications {Odds Ratio (OR)-2.48 (1.27-4.84)}, family worries {OR-2.54 (1.34-4.80)}, non adherence to follow-up {OR-2.61 (1.37-4.99)}, and non compliance with dietary modifications {OR-2.93 (1.43-5.99)}. Conclusion: The present study revealed that about one in 10 (11%) diabetics with less than five years’ duration have associated depression, with significant independent predictors being non compliant behaviours, the presence of complications, and family issues. Hence, diabetics should be screened simultaneously for depression, giving due attention to those with complications, family issues, and non compliant behaviours.

Keywords

• co-morbidity
• follow-up
• macrovascular complications
• type 2 diabetes