Prevalence of depression in female patients with hypertension attending outdoor clinic in a Secondary care centre in Northern India

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is one of the most serious medical conditions affecting a huge population worldwide. Similarly, depression is also one of the major conditions affecting people nowadays especially women who are housewives. There is a direct correlation associated between Hypertension and Depression, where each can worsen the others prognosis. Aims and Objective: Prevalence of depression in female patients with hypertension attending outdoor clinic in a Secondary care centre in Northern India. Materials and Methods: In our study we included 270 patients. Consent was taken and a semi structured proforma was used for collection of socio demographic details. HAM-D scale was used to assess Depression in the patients. Statistical analysis was done of the data that was collected. Results: 68.9% of the sample population had depression, with majority of them having mild symptoms. Moreover, there was statistically significant positive correlation between the duration of hypertension and mean HAM-D score. Conclusions: There is a requirement for proper screening of depression in patients especially females with hypertension so that they can be treated properly and at the earliest.