Prevalence of Depression and Associated Factors among Adult Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Attending Diabetic Clinic at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital

Diabetes and depression regularly co-occur, but only about two-thirds of patients with both diseases receive recognition and treatment for it. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of depression and associated factors among adult patients with diabetes attending diabetic clinic at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital. The prevalence of depression among diabetes mellitus patients attending diabetic clinic at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital. was found to be 26.6%. Gender, age bracket, area of Residence, level of education and marital status were statistically significantly associated with depression among diabetes mellitus patients attending diabetic Clinic at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital. in the model at 5% level. Females were 3times more likely to develop depression compared to the males (OR=3.29: 95%CI, 0.84–6.58: P=0.052). Patients in the age bracket 31-39 years were 5times more likely to develop depression compared to those in age bracket 18-30 years (OR=5.73: 95%CI, 2.31- 28.4: P=<0.001). Patients who lived in urban areas were 5times more likely to develop depression compared to those who lived in rural areas (OR=2.61: 95%CI, 0.77–8.85: P=0.04). Patients who were widows were 5times more likely to develop depression compared to those who were single (OR=5.09: 95%CI, 0.87–12.30: P=<0.001). Patients with primary levels of education were 6times more likely to develop depression compared to those who attained secondary level of education (OR=6.98: 95%CI, 2.01–14.37: P=0.001). The prevalence of depressive illness in patients with DM is high and is associated with low education level, period with diabetes, Sugar levels well controlled, chronic illness other than diabetes, number of chronic illness and mode of medication for diabetes history of being in the intensive phase of DM treatment and family history of depressive illness. Keywords: Prevalence, depression, associated factors, diabetes mellitus