Prevalence of Depression in Non-Infectious Uveitis Patients in a Tertiary Care Center in Lebanon.

Abstract

Purpose: Depression is a significant burden for uveitis patients due to the chronic nature of their condition and associated vision impairment. Non-infectious uveitis (NIU), often linked to autoimmune diseases, frequently involves psychological distress. This study examines depression prevalence among NIU patients in Lebanon to address gaps in regional data.

Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 100 NIU patients and 100 controls from a tertiary care center in Lebanon. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) and confirmed with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for positive screens. Demographics, disease characteristics, and treatment data were extracted from medical records. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests and multivariate analysis (p < 0.05).

Results: Depression prevalence was 35% in NIU patients versus 26% in controls, though not statistically significant (p = 0.167). Corticosteroid usage correlated with higher depression risk (OR = 3.85 [95% CI: 1.33,11.2], p = 0.013), while longer uveitis duration correlated with lower depression risk (OR = 0.93 [95% CI: 0.89, 0.97], p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Depression is prevalent among NIU patients in Lebanon, particularly females and vulnerable demographics. Integrated care strategies addressing mental health within ophthalmology practices are essential to improve quality of life. Future research should explore additional psychological conditions and contributing factors.