Prevalence and factors associated with depression among type 2 diabetes patients in a Reference Hospital in Cameroon

Background

Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder in patients with diabetes. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with depression in patients with type 2 diabetes and to assess the relationship between depression and attainment of treatment targets.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we included patients with type 2 diabetes who were receiving chronic care in the outpatient diabetes unit of the Douala General Hospital, Cameroon. Depression was assessed using the 9-Item-Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Logistic regression models were used to identify independent associations.

Results

Of the 177 participants, 52 (29.4 %, 95 % CI: 22.8–36.7) had depression. In bivariate analysis factors associated with depression were; age > 48 years, physical inactivity, major life event, pill burden (≥5 medication types and ≥7 tablets/day), nephropathy and neuropathy. In multivariate analysis neuropathy (aOR: 3.25, 95 % CI: 1.47–7.19; p = 0.004) and major life event (aOR: 8.38, 95 % CI: 2.79–25.15; p < 0.001) were independently associated with depression. Depression was independently associated with HbA1c > 7 % (aOR: 2.50, 95 % CI: 1.23–5.00; p = 0.010).

Conclusion

Depression is common in this group of Cameroonians with type 2 diabetes and is strongly associated with major life event, neuropathy and poor glycaemic control. Our results portray the need to systematically screen and manage depression in patients with type 2 diabetes in this setting.