Depression and Glycemic Control among Adult Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Crossectional Study in a Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Jigjiga, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background Globally, there is an alarming rise in type 2 diabetes mellitus prevalence, with the highest rate of increment observed in developing countries, including Ethiopia. The disease has a multifaceted impact, ranging from physical and mental symptoms to socioeconomic consequences. While most of these burdens have due consideration, the mental health impact of diseases such as depression is often unnoticed, undiagnosed, or untreated. More importantly, depression is known to have a higher likelihood of occurrence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Hence, the present study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression and its sociodemographic predictors, clinical predictors, and glycemic control among adult type 2 diabetic patients at Sheik Hassan Yabare Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Jigjiga, Ethiopia. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a systematic random sampling method from October 3 to November 13, 2022. The Patient Health Questionnaire was used to assess depression, while glycemic control was measured using glycated hemoglobin (HgA1c). The data was entered into Epidata version 4.6 for data entry and then exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Multiple logistic regressions with the backward elimination method were performed, and a p-value of < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval was taken as statistically significant. Results A total of 263 participants were included, with a response rate of 94.6%. Of the respondents, 134 (51%) were male, making up more than half of the total. The overall prevalence of depression was 47.1% (95% CI: 41.1–53.2). Depression was further classified, as follows, based on its severity: the majority of 66 (25.1%) had mild depression, followed by 44 (16.7%) with moderate depression, 9 (3.4%) with moderately severe depression, and 5 (1.9%) with severe depression. A multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that poor glycemic control (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI = 1.05, 3.53), DM complications (AOR = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.09, 3.74), and DM duration of 5–10 years since diagnosis (AOR = 2.29; 95% CI = 1.21, 4.34) were independently associated with depression. Conclusions Our study revealed a significant burden of depression among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients receiving follow-up care at the hospital. Glycemic control, the presence of complications, and longer duration of diabetes were identified as predictors of depression. Therefore, concerned stakeholders should work to improve blood sugar control and promote healthy behavior, particularly among those with complications or who have been sick for an extended period of time.