Abstract

Background: The prevalence of diabetes in Saudi Arabia ranks as one of the highest in the world. Many studies have found depression to be higher in diabetics than in the general population thus increasing costs and incidence of complications. To the best of our knowledge, no study has addressed the issue of depression in diabetics in Saudi Arabia.
Objectives: To assess the prevalence of depression and its associated factors in adult Saudi diabetics attending primary healthcare centers in the Qatif area.
Method: A cross-sectional study conducted in Qatif primary healthcare centers from January to February 2011. Nine centers were selected by stratified sampling. Systematic sampling of adult Saudi diabetics attending those centers was done and the selected patients were interviewed and asked to complete a two-page questionnaire, which included an Arabic version of PHQ9 depression questionnaire. Files of the interviewed patients were reviewed to assess the level of diabetes control.
Results: A total of 325 patients participated in the study. Prevalence of depression was found to be 14.5%. The prevalence of major depressive disorder was 6.2% and other depressive disorders were 8.3%. The presence of complications, co-morbidities and, in male patients, older age were found to be risk factors for depression in diabetics. The level of control was better in non-depressed patients while compliance with treatment had no relation with depression.
Conclusion: Depression is an important prevalent co-morbidity in diabetic patients. Screening for depressions an important part of comprehensive diabetic care. Further studies of depression in diabetics in Saudi Arabia are recommended.

Keywords: Qatif primary health care; depression; diabetes mellitus; PHQ-9