Prevalence and Severity of Depression Among Anemic Patients Attending a Rural Outpatient in Faridabad, India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Objectives: This study was performed to determine the prevalence and severity of depression among patients previously diagnosed with anemia and to explore associated clinical and sociodemographic factors.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2024 to February 2025 among 300 patients with anemia attending the outpatient clinic at the Rural Health Training Centre, Amrita School of Medicine, Faridabad, Haryana. Data on sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected using a structured questionnaire. Depression was evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Associations of anemia severity with depression presence and severity were analyzed using the chi-square test, logistic regression, and ordinal logistic regression, with adjustment for potential confounders.

Results: The prevalence of depression (PHQ-9 score exceeding 9) among patients with anemia was 31.3%. Severe anemia was significantly associated with higher odds of depression (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 3.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13 to 8.07; p=0.027) and more severe depression (adjusted OR, 2.87; 95% CI, 1.14 to 7.27; p=0.026). Symptoms such as weakness (adjusted OR, 3.57) and shortness of breath (adjusted OR, 2.71) were also significantly associated with depression. Moderate anemia displayed a non-significant trend.

Conclusions: Severe anemia is independently associated with both the presence and severity of depression. Routine mental health screening should be integrated into anemia management protocols, especially in rural healthcare settings.