Symptoms of depression among patients attending a diabetes care clinic in rural western Kenya

Association of type 2 diabetes with family history of diabetes, diabetes biomarkers, mental and physical disorders in a Kenyan setting

This study aimed to determine the degree of family relations and associated socio-demographics characteristics, clinical/physical and mental disorders in type 2 diabetes mellitus in a Kenyan diabetes clinic. This study was part of a large multicentre study whose protocol and results had been published. It took place at the outpatient diabetes clinic at a County Teaching and Referral Hospital in South East Kenya involving 182 participants. We used a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Hamilton Depression (HAM-D) and PHQ-9 rating scales for depression, the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI; V5 or V6) for DSM-5 diagnoses, the WHO-5 Well-being scale and Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale (PAID). We extracted from the notes all physical conditions. We enquired about similar conditions in 1st and 2nd degree relatives. Descriptive, Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, one way ANOVA, and Multinomial logistic regression analysis were conducted to test achievements of our specific aims. Of the 182 patients who participated in the study, 45.1% (82/182) reported a family history of diabetes. Conditions significantly (p < 0.05) associated with a degree of family history of diabetes were retinopathy, duration of diabetes (years), hypertension, and depressive disorder. On average 11.5% (21/182) scored severe depression (≥ 10) on PHQ-9 and 85.2% (115/182) scored good well-being (≥ 13 points). All DSM-5 psychiatric conditions were found in the 182 patients in varying prevalence regardless of relations. In addition, amongst the 182 patients, the highest prevalence was poor well-being on the WHO quality of life tool. This was followed by post-traumatic disorders (current), suicidality, and psychotic lifetime on DSM-5. The least prevalent on DSM-5 was eating disorders. Some type 2 diabetes mellitus physical disorders and depression have increased incidence in closely related patients. Overall, for all the patients, the prevalence of all DSM-5 diagnoses varied from 0.5 to 9.9%.

Individual and community experiences and the use of language in understanding diabetes and depression in rural Kenya

As the prevalence of long-term conditions continues to rise it becomes increasingly important to identify ways to mitigate their effects, including the psychological impact. In rural Kenya identifying people with diabetes or mental health problems is challenging due to the stigma and negative experiences within community settings.Four broad themes were identified; (1) misconceptions and stigma: the use of language, (2) treatment and medications, (3) community beliefs and alternative treatment pathways, (4) the role of informal and formal care.Our study demonstrated the detrimental effect of the use of stigmatising language and misconceptions surrounding diabetes and depression at both the individual and community levels. Inequalities in health care access were observed and a lack of resources in rural communities was evident. Improvements in support for health care workers at the community level as well as acknowledging the importance of informal care could help improve the psychological and emotional impact of diabetes and depression.

Mental depression: Relation to different disease status, newer treatments and its association with COVID-19 pandemic (Review)

The present study aimed to review major depression, including its types, epidemiology, association with different diseases status and treatments, as well as its correlation with the current COVID-19 pandemic. Mental depression is a common disorder that affects most individuals at one time or another. During depression, there are changes in mood and behavior, accompanied by feelings of defeat, hopelessness, or even suicidal thoughts. Depression has a direct or indirect relation with a number of other diseases including Alzheimer's disease, stroke, epilepsy, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. In addition, antidepressant drugs have several side effects including sedation, increased weight, indigestion, sexual dysfunction, or a decrease in blood pressure. Stopping medication may cause a relapse of the symptoms of depression and pose a risk of attempted suicide. The pandemic of COVID-19 has affected the mental health of individuals, including patients, individuals contacting patients and medical staff with a number of mental disorders that may adversely affect the immune ability of their bodies. Some of the drugs currently included in the protocols for treating COVID-19 may negatively affect the mental health of patients. Evidence accumulated over the years indicates that serotonin (5HT) deficiencies and norepinephrine (NE) in the brain can lead to mental depression. Drugs that increase levels of NE and 5HT are commonly used in the treatment of depression. The common reason for mood disorders, including mania and bipolar disease are not clearly understood. It is assumed that hyperactivity in specific parts of the brain and excessive activity of neurotransmitters may be involved. Early diagnosis and developing new treatment strategies are essential for the prevention of the severe consequences of depression. In addition, extensive research should be directed towards the investigation of the mental health disturbances occurring during and/or after COVID-19 infection. This may lead to the incorporation of a suitable antidepressant into the current treatment protocols.

Prevalence of depression and associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in eastern Sudan

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) represents a global health threat and burden. It is associated with medical and psychological complications, especially depression. Depression among patients with DM may affect the general prognosis. Hence, we conducted a cross-sectional study in Gadarif, eastern Sudan to evaluate the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among patients with type 2 DM (T2DM).

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study. Data on anthropometric parameters, demographic characteristics and blood glucose levels were collected via questionnaire. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).

RESULTS

Three hundred and fifty patients with T2DM were enrolled in the study and 205 (58.6%) were women. The median (interquartile range) age and duration of diabetes were 56.0 (14.0) years and 8 (8) years, respectively. The prevalence of depression in patients with T2DM was 35.6%. Logistic regression analysis showed significant associations between depression and rural residence (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.20-3.72), non-employee (AOR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.34-4.00), co-morbidity (AOR = 2.35, 95% CI = 1.43-3.86) and obesity AOR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.48-4.18).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of depression is high among Sudanese patients with T2DM. Rural residence, unemployment, co-morbidity and obesity are significant risk factors for developing depression among patients with T2DM.

Meta-analysis of studies on depression prevalence among diabetes mellitus patients in Africa

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion or insulin action. It can be caused by the consumption of carbohydrate meals or medication side effects. Depression as a comorbid condition in an individual with diabetes is accountable for increased disability, mortality, and significant health problem in patients. As a continent, Africa does not have an overall estimation of depression prevalence among diabetes mellitus patients at a regional level. Consequently, this study's purpose was to use the meta-analysis method to summarize estimates of extant studies that have reported depression prevalence among patients with diabetes mellitus in Africa. The literature search method was executed to classify studies with reported depression prevalence with evidently designed inclusion and exclusion criteria. In total, 20 studies from sundry screened articles were appropriate for ultimate inclusion in the meta-analysis. Since substantial heterogeneity was expected, a random-effects meta-analysis was carried out using the number of cases with a total sample size to estimate the prevalence of diabetes mellitus at a regional level. The residual amount of heterogeneity was found to be high according to the statistics of τ² = 0.06; I² = 99.10%, chi-square = 2184.85, degree of freedom = 19 and P =< 0.001. The pooled depression prevalence was 40% within a 95% confidence interval of 29%–51%. The meta-regression analysis result showed that none of the included moderators contributed to the heterogeneity of studies. The result of effect size estimates against its standard error showed publication bias with a P-value of 0.001. The meta-analysis findings of this study have indicated that depression prevalence in Africa is still high. Reporting on numerous risk factors like socio-demographic characteristics were not possible in this study because of a lack of completeness in the included articles. Consequently, screening diabetes patients for comorbid depression with its associated risk factors is highly recommended.

Diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa - from policy to practice to progress: targeting the existing gaps for future care for diabetes

The global prevalence and impact of diabetes has increased dramatically, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This region faces unique challenges in combating the disease including lack of funding for noncommunicable diseases, lack of availability of studies and guidelines specific to the population, lack of availability of medications, differences in urban and rural patients, and inequity between public and private sector health care. Because of these challenges, diabetes has a greater impact on morbidity and mortality related to the disease in sub-Saharan Africa than any other region in the world. In order to address these unacceptably poor trends, contextualized strategies for the prevention, identification, management, and financing of diabetes care within this population must be developed. This narrative review provides insights into the policy landscape, epidemiology, pathophysiology, care protocols, medication availability, and health care systems to give readers a comprehensive summary of many factors in these domains as they pertain to diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to providing a review of the current evidence available in these domains, potential solutions to address the major gaps in care will be proposed to reverse the negative trends seen with diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa.