Depression and Anxiety Disorders among Persons with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Tertiary Hospital in Zaria, Nigeria.

Background: Depression and anxiety disorders frequently co-occur with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, leading to poor glycaemic control and quality of life through complex biopsychosocial mechanisms. A dual diagnosis of chronic medical and mental health conditions reduces the probability of early recognition and intervention for either. This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence and correlates of depression and anxiety disorders among persons with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a tertiary hospital in North-West Nigeria.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 370 adult respondents with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus at the endocrinology clinic of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital using a systematic sampling technique to recruit participants. Data was collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) to diagnose depression and anxiety, and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) to assess medication adherence. Data were analysed with the SPSS Version 25.

Results: The prevalence of major depressive disorder was 46.5%. Of the 42.2% that had anxiety disorders, 46.7% had generalized anxiety disorder, 51.9% panic disorder, 30.1% agoraphobia, 31.4% had a coexisting depression and anxiety disorder. About 4 in 10 of the respondents reported medication non-adherence.

Conclusions: The study shows a high burden of depression and anxiety disorders among patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, associated with poor medication adherence and outcome. Physicians need to pay more attention to psychological distress associated with chronic medical conditions to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.