A Study on Depression among Hypertensive Patient Attending Outpatient Department of a Hospital in Rural Bengaluru

Abstract

Introduction: Depression is a significant contributor to the global burden of disease. The study was conducted to estimate the pro- portion of depression among hypertensives attending OPD and to determine its associated factors in rural area of a Medical college, Bengaluru. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted on indi- viduals aged above 30 years, diagnosed with hypertension attend- ing OPD during September-October 2017 in rural area, Kansawadi. The sample size was found to be 206. Data was collected using a pre-designed Questionnaire which contained socio-demographic details and depression was assessed using Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scale after obtaining written informed consent. Statis- tical analysis was carried out using SPSS where descriptive statis- tics and Chi-square was calculated. Results: Out of 206 hypertensive patients, the proportion of de- pression was 53.4%. Statistical significance for depression was seen in those who were divorced and separated, females and illiterates. Age, Religion, Occupation, BMI, Treatment adherence, Family his- tory, personal habits were not found to be significant. Yet, 61.5% of those not taking treatment regularly were found to have Depres- sion. Conclusion: Marital status, gender, Education and Treatment ad- herence all play a role in the mental status of hypertensive pa- tients. It is important to provide health education on mental health diseases to the Community.

Keywords

• Depression
• Hypertension
• Rural
• Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scale