Prevalence and pattern of depression among adult diabetics presenting to the general practice clinic of University of Benin Teaching Hospital

Aim and objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate Depression in diabetics attending the General Practice Clinic of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital with a view to facilitate early detection and intervention. The objectives were to determine the prevalence and pattern of depression, and the relationship between socio-demographic factors and depression among the respondents. Materials and method: This was a cross sectional descriptive study carried out on 200 adult diabetic patients who were recruited using the systematic random sampling technique. Data was collected using a semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire which included the PHQ-9. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 16. Numerical data were represented as mean±SD while nominal data were represented as frequencies and percentages. The Chi-square analysis and Fisher's exact test were used for relationship between nominal data. A P-value of < 0.05 was taken as significant for all tests. Result: The prevalence of Depression among the 200 respondents was 28.5% (57). Of the 57 depressed respondents, 80.7% (46) had mild depression, 15.8% (9) had moderate Depression and 3.5% (2) had moderately severe Depression based on the PHQ-9. Not earning an income had a statistically significant relationship with having depression in the respondents while other socio-demographic factors were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The prevalence of depression in this study was 28.5%. Mild depression was present in majority of the respondents (80.7%) who had depression. Poor socio-economic status was significantly related to depression. Since the Family Physician is concerned with the patient as a whole, increased efforts at screening for Depression in diabetics should be done. Keywords: Prevalence, Pattern, Depression, Diabetes Mellitu