Background Depression is one of the commonest neuropsychiatric disorders in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and is associated with poor glycaemic control, vascular complications, a low quality of life and increased health care expenditure. Co-morbid DM and depression remains poorly identified and inadequately treated in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 437 patients with DM at 3 DM clinics in Uganda. Participants were assessed for depression, blood sugar levels, diabetic neuropathy, quality of life, and health care expenditures. Results The prevalence of depression was 34.8%. Depressed participants were more likely to be suicidal [OR=3.81, (CI 2.87–5.04)], younger [OR=3.98 CI (1.20–13.23)], un-employed [OR=1.99(CI 1.04–3.81)], and having lost a spouse [OR=2.36 (CI 1.29–4.31)]. Overall quality of life was poor [OR=0.67 (CI 0.47–0.96)], they scored poorer in the physical [OR=0.97, (CI 0.95–0.99)], psychological [OR=1.05 (CI 1.03–1.07)], and environmental [OR=0.97, (CI 0.95–0.99)] domains. They had an increased likelihood of incurring direct out-of-pocket payments for health care services [OR=1.56 (CI 1.03–2.36)], and were more likely to be impoverished [OR=1.52 (CI 1.01–2.28)]. Limitation The cross sectional nature of this study makes it difficult to examine causation. More studies are required in order to better understand the associations and impact of the factors examined above on patient outcomes. Conclusions Depression is highly prevalent among patients with DM in Uganda, and is associated with a number of adverse outcomes. A holistic approach that focuses on the depression management among patients with diabetes is recommended.

BackgroundDepression with pain comorbidity (DPC) has not been clearly defined among HIV positive patients in sub-Saharan Africa. It still remains a challenge despite many studies in Africa documenting a high prevalence of pain and depression among people living with HIV/AIDS. Both are associated with a grave impact on the health related outcomes in this pandemic. This study aimed at determining the prevalence, factors associated and effect on quality of life of DPC among HIV positive patients.MethodsIn a cross-sectional survey, 345 HIV positive patients were enrolled into the study. Using a pre-tested standardised questionnaire the presence of DPC was assessed after a written informed consent. The associations between DPC, quality of life, depression history, severity, and cognition were determined. A p-value of <0.05 was considered to be significant.ResultsAmong people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), the prevalence of DPC was about 5 %. PLWHA with DPC were more likely to perceive their overall quality of life as poor and scored poorly in all the domains on the WHOQOL-BREF. They were also more likely to have more severe forms of depression and recurrent episodes of depression.ConclusionsDPC is common, under diagnosed and undertreated in PLWHA in Uganda. Depression and pain screening as well as appropriate access to care for DPC have potential to improve quality of life and health outcomes. This calls for the integration and training of mental health services into HIV/AIDS care and future efforts by policy makers and HIV caregivers to address this treatment gap to advance the care of people living with HIV in Uganda.

Introduction Hospital based studies for psychotic disorders are scarce in low and middle income countries. This may impact on development of intervention programs. Objective We aimed to determine the burden of psychotic disorders among first treatment contact patients at the national psychiatric referral hospital in Uganda. Methods A retrospective patient chart-file review was carried out in March 2019 for all patients presenting to the hospital for the first time in the previous year. Patients were categorised into those with and without psychotic disorders. We collected sociodemographic data on age, gender, occupation, level of education, ethnicity, religion and home district. We determined the one year prevalence of psychotic disorders among first treatment contact patients. Using logistic regression models, we also determined the association between psychotic disorders and various exposure variables among first treatment contact patients. Results In 2018, 63% (95% CI: 60.2-65.1) of all first time contact patients had a psychosis related diagnosis. Among the patients with psychotic disorders, the median age was 29 years (IQR 24-36). Most of the patients were male (62.8%) and unemployed (63.1%). After adjusting for patients' residence, psychotic disorders were found to be more prevalent among the female gender [OR 1.58 (CI1.46-1.72)] and those of Pentecostal faith [OR 1.25 (CI 1.10-1.42)].

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