Magnitude and Severity of Depression and Associated Factors Among Hypertensive Patients Attending Follow-up Treatment at Public Hospitals of Hadiya Zone, Ethiopia.

Introduction: Co-morbid depression in hypertension leads to non-adherence to anti-hypertensive treatment.

Objective: To assess the magnitude and severity of depression and associated factors among hypertensive patients attending follow-up treatment at public hospitals of Hadiya zone, Ethiopia, 2022.

Methods: Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1, to January 31, 2022. The total sample size was 315 and used a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected through a face-to-face interview. Data were entered using Epi-data Version 4.6 and exported to SPSS Version 25 for analysis. The goodness-of-fit test was done. Binary logistic regression was done, and variables with a -value of < .25 in the bivariable analysis were taken into the multivariable analysis. Statistically significant was declared at a -value of < .05 with an adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval.

Result: The magnitude of depression among hypertensive patients was 37.1% (95% CI 31.7-43.9). Regarding the severity, 56.1% had no depression, 6.7% had mild, 17.3% had moderate, 14.7% had moderately severe, and 5.1% had severe depression. Body mass index: 19.12-24.9 kg/m [AOR 0.06, 95% CI: 0.02-0.23], body mass index: 25-29.9 kg/m [AOR 0.08, 95% CI: 0.02-0.35], absence of family history hypertension [AOR 0.39, 95% CI: 0.18-0.85], presence of co-morbidity [AOR 2.43, 95% CI: 1.34-4.42), low perceived stress scale [AOR 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01-0.56], low medication adherence [AOR 2.70, 95% CI: 1.17-6.24], and moderate medication adherence [AOR 0.29, 95% CI: 0.09-0.88] were significantly associated.

Conclusion: About four in 10 hypertensive patients attending follow-up treatment were depressed. The mean score of severity of depression was mild. Body mass index, family history of hypertension, co-morbidity, perceived stress scale, and medication adherence were significantly associated with depression. Therefore, maintaining body mass index, screening and treating co-morbid illness, accommodating stress, and educating about medication adherence might minimize the risk of depression.