Abstract

Omotola SL, Gabriel-Alayode OE, Shabi OM, Agboola SM, Ajetunmobi OA, Elegbede OT and Omosanya OE

ABSTRACT

People with Diabetes Mellitus are almost twice as likely to suffer from Depression as the general population, but this often remains un-recognized and thus untreated. This was a cross sectional study. Based on the calculated sample size, one hundred and fifty consecutive and consenting type 2 diabetic patients were screened for depression using patient Health Questionaire-9 (PHQ-9). The age of the studied respondents ranged between 44years and 78years with a mean age of 58± 8.4years. Fifty one of the one hundred and fifty respondents (34%) were found to have mild to moderate depression. In this study, the presence of other comorbidity or complications and poor glycaemic control were identified as factors associated with depression among diabetic patients. It is advised that physicians should investigate for depression among diabetic patients who have been on medication for a long time since depression has been associated with poor adherence to medication with resultant poor glycaemic control. Control of depression in diabetic patient, is an important and cost-effective strategy to reduce major diabetic complications.