Burden of Depression and its Correlates among Patients of Skin Diseases: a Snap-shot from Dermatology Outpatient Clinic in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Skin problems are widespread health issues that account for a significant portion of the burden of disease worldwide and because of this dermatologists frequently face mood disorders. Objective: The present study has been planned to determine the prevalence and correlates of depression among skin disease patients presenting in dermatology clinic in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed at the dermatology clinic at Noor-e-Zia Consultant Clinics from April to August 2022. Depression screening was performed using the Patient Health Questionnaire of 9 items (PHQ-9). The cut-off for positive depression screening was 10 and above. Results: A total of 385 patients were studied with a median age of 38 (IQR=27-48) years and the majority of them were females (n=256, 66.5%). Patients presented with a median disease duration of one month with a range of 1-24 months. 188 (48.8%) had a PHQ-9 score ≥10. On multivariable logistic regression, lower education, occupation, patients living in a joint family system, current smokers, presence of comorbid, disease severity, and diagnosis of urticaria and folliculitis were associated with higher odds of depression. Conclusion: The depression burden was higher in dermatology clinic with significantly higher depression among patients of lower education, students, current smokers, patients with comorbid, disease severity, and diagnoses with urticaria and folliculitis

Keywords

• mental health
• depression
• psychological burden
• skin diseases