Prevalence of Depression among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Rural Field Practice Area of a Medical College
Abdur Rafeeq Mohammed Kashif, Meriton A. StanlyAbstract
Background:
Depression significantly affects overall wellbeing and is the most common psychiatric disorder in patients with diabetes mellitus, occurring at a rate two to three times higher than in those without diabetes.
Objectives:
The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in a rural field practice area of a medical college and assess its association with certain determinants.
Materials and Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted in the field practice and demonstration area of Rural Health and Training Center of a tertiary care medical college and hospital in Chennai. Participants were selected using cluster sampling, with 30 clusters identified through the probability proportional to size method, resulting in a total sample of 420 individuals. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scale.
Results:
The prevalence of depression was 6.2%, with significantly higher odds in individuals less than 60 years of age (OR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.02–6.03,
Conclusion:
Diabetes management should extend beyond pharmacological treatment to incorporate mental health support as addressing emotional wellbeing can enhance treatment adherence and improve the overall quality of life for T2DM patients.