查看文章

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.

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.

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 …