Epidemiology Diabetes mellitus and comorbid depression in Zambia

Document Type

Article

Department

Institute for Human Development

Abstract

Abstract: Aims To replicate, in Zambia, a recent global study by the WHO, which reported that the odds of depression were not increased in African people with diabetes, and to explore the sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with depression. Methods A total of 773 control subjects and 157 Zambian patients with diabetes completed the Major Depression Inventory and a list of demographic indicators. Results Compared with control subjects (mean SD Major Depression Inventory score 15.10 9.19 depressive symptoms were significantly more common in patients with diabetes (mean Major Depression Inventory score 19.12 8.95; P < 0.001). ANCOVA showed that having diabetes [F(1,698) = 16.50, P < 0.001], being female [F(1,698) = 7.35, P < 0.01] and having low socio-economic status (F(1,698) = 13.35, P < 0.001 were positive predictors of depression. Conclusions Contrary to the WHO study, we found that depression was a common comorbid health problem among Zambian people with diabetes. Clinicians should consider patients’ health status, sex and socio-economic status as potential factors predicting depression

Comments

This work was published before the author joined Aga Khan University.

Publication (Name of Journal)

Diabetic Medicine

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