Prevalence of depression among diabetic patients and its relationship to diabetes self-care activities, disease profile, and social factors in Khartoum State, Sudan: A cross-sectional study

Depression is common among individuals with diabetes mellitus, yet many cases go undiagnosed. It is linked to poorer treatment outcomes. However, data from developing countries remains limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and severity of depression among diabetic patients in Khartoum State. It also examined the association between depression and diabetes self-care activities in addition to other clinical and personal factors. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at 3 diabetic outpatient clinics in Khartoum State. Depression was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire 9, while diabetes self-management behaviors were evaluated using the Self-Reported Diabetes Self-Care Activities Questionnaire. Clinical and personal characteristics were also collected. Associations between depression and various factors were analyzed using the chi-square test and Fisher's exact test, with a P-value of less than .05 considered statistically significant. A total of 163 participants were included. The overall prevalence of depression among diabetic patients was 86.5%, with the majority experiencing minimal (33.1%) and mild (30.1%) depression. Depression was significantly associated with the type of diabetes medications (P = .011) and a family history of psychiatric illness (P = .001). Depression was also significantly linked to the loss of a close person (P-value = .001) and lack of social support (P-value = .018), as well as various aspects of diabetes self-care activities. This study revealed a high prevalence of depression among diabetic patients in Khartoum State. Depression was strongly associated with various diabetes self-care activities as well as other clinical and personal factors. Integrating mental health support into diabetes care programs is essential to improve outcomes. Future population-based studies with more robust methodologies are recommended.