Depression and Anxiety Screening of Patients With Type II Diabetes Mellitus Attending Primary Healthcare Centers in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition affecting both physical and mental health. High blood sugar levels can lead to serious complications if not managed properly. Individuals with diabetes are also at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to assess the prevalence of depression and anxiety among patients with type II diabetes attending primary healthcare centers in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

An analytical cross-sectional study design was employed, targeting adults with type II diabetes attending primary healthcare centers in Makkah. A total sample size of 412 participants was selected through systematic random sampling. Data were collected using validated Arabic versions of the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the general anxiety disorder (GAD-7) questionnaire, along with demographic information. Statistical analysis was conducted with non-parametric tests used to evaluate the significance of outcome variables.

RESULTS

The median age of participants was 47 years, with 237 (57.5%) being male and 373 (90.5%) Saudi nationals. Neuropathy was the most prevalent complication, affecting 181 (43.9%) of participants. The median GAD-7 score was 5, and the median PHQ-9 score was 7. Mild to moderate depression was observed in 224 (54.4%), and 194 (47%) had mild-to-moderate anxiety. Significant associations were found between mental health outcomes and several factors: nationality (non-Saudis showed higher depression and anxiety scores, p = 0.010 and p = 0.020, respectively), marital status (divorced participants had the highest mean ranks for both conditions, p = 0.003 for depression and p < 0.001 for anxiety), and monthly income (p = 0.007 for depression and p = 0.008 for anxiety). Additionally, the presence of diabetes complications was strongly associated with higher depression and anxiety scores (p < 0.001 for both).

CONCLUSION

The findings indicate a high prevalence of depression and anxiety among patients with type II diabetes in Makkah. These mental health issues are significantly associated with socio-demographic factors and diabetes complications. Integrated medical and psychological care is needed to improve the quality of life and treatment outcomes for diabetic patients.