Exploring the Impact of Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension on Depression in Youth: Insights from the Fasa Cohort

Background & Objectives: Depression frequently coexists with chronic conditions such as diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN), compounding health risks and complicating disease management. While this relationship is well-documented in adults, its dynamics among adolescents and young adults remain insufficiently explored, particularly in culturally diverse contexts. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associations of major depressive disorder (MDD), DM, and HTN among individuals aged 15–34 years in Fasa, Iran. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 3,014 participants from both rural and urban areas of Fasa. Data on depression, DM, and HTN were collected using validated self-report questionnaires and clinical assessments. Statistical analyses included Chi-square tests and logistic regression models to evaluate associations, adjusting for age, gender, smoking status, and other potential confounders. Results: Depression and DM were more prevalent among males (30.2% and 2.1%, respectively) compared to females (20.4% and 1.2%), whereas HTN was more common among females (7.0%). Depression was significantly associated with HTN in both univariate (OR = 2.710) and multivariate (OR = 2.547) models. Age and smoking status emerged as significant predictors of depression. Although a potential association between depression and DM was identified in the univariate analysis, it did not remain statistically significant after adjustment. Conclusion: This study highlights a significant gender-specific association between depression and HTN among youth, emphasizing the necessity for integrated, age-specific, and gender-sensitive mental and physical health interventions. No robust association was found between depression and DM.