Prevalence and Risk Factors of Depression in Patients With Endemic Osteoarthritis Kashin–Beck Disease

Background: Kashin–Beck disease (KBD) is an endemic osteoarthropathy, which occurs in children aged 3–12, with similarity to osteoarthritis (OA). Previous studies have shown significant depression symptoms in OA patients, yet no comparable research has been conducted in KBD patients.

Methods: We conducted a field investigation in KBD areas in Northwest China. Questionnaires were designed and used to assess demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and medical comorbidities. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was included for the prevalence of depression. Finally, 440 subjects were clinically diagnosed and recruited. Depression was diagnosed when PHQ-9 ≥ 5 and classified into mild (5–9), moderate (10–14), and severe (≥ 15) groups. Logistic regression was also used to identify potential associated factors among KBD patients.

Results: Depression was present in 53.2% of patients in our KBD samples. Among them, 27.5% had mild depression, 18.4% had moderate depression, and 7.3% had severe depression. Being male (odds ratio [OR]: 0.296, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.180–0.486, p < 0.001) was an independent protective factor for depression, while the presence of comorbid chronic diseases (OR: 4.701, 95% CI: 2.292–9.640, p < 0.001), and a higher visual analog scale (VAS) pain level (OR: 5.275, 95% CI: 1.326–20.978, p = 0.018) were independent risk factors for depression in KBD patients.

Conclusion: This study is the first to investigate the prevalence of depression and associated factors among Chinese KBD patients, suggesting the significance of an early intervention for their mental issues.