Depression in patients with chronic low back pain: A hospital-based study

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a common orthopedic condition that co-exists with depression. The combination of these two contrast ailments is often associated with poorer treatment response and increase health care cost. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of depression in patients with CLBP and study the effects of sociodemographic factors. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of adult patients with CLBP seen at BSUTH Makurdi from April 2014 to September 2014. Patients were assessed for depression using hospital anxiety depression scale (HADS). Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results: One hundred and fourteen patients were recruited for the study, consisting of 48 males and 66 females. Age ranged from 23 to 75 years, with mean age of 44.7 years. Of 114 patients, 45 patients were found positive for depression using HADS. The rate of depression in these patients was 39.5%. The highest rate of depression was seen in 30–39 years age group. Conclusion: The prevalence of depression in patients with CLBP was observed to be 39.5% which is comparable to the reports of previous studies in the developed countries.