Depressive symptoms and associated factors among patients with diabetes in public primary healthcare facilities in Kuwait city, 2024

Depression affects nearly one in four diabetes patients globally, with regional variations in prevalence. Previous studies show that nearly one-third of type 2 patients screened positive for depression. This cross-sectional study, conducted from January to March 2024 at diabetic clinics in three government primary healthcare centers in Kuwait City, aimed to assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated factors among diabetes patients. The PHQ-9 questionnaire was administered via mobile link/QR scan, either self-administered or interviewer-administered. 11% (59) patients exhibited depression symptoms (PHQ-9 score > 10). Of the 59 patients with depressive symptoms (PHQ > 10), 81% (n = 48) were above the age of 40 years, 66% (n = 39) were females, 64% (n = 38) were Kuwait nationals, 50% (30) were receiving treatment for more than 10 years, 54% (n = 32) had comorbid hypertension, 81% (n = 48) were patients with type 2 diabetes and 71% (n = 42) had a last HbA1C of > 7.5%. Smoking (AOR = 3.88, 95% CI: 1.50-10.12) and insulin therapy only or a combination of oral hypoglycaemics and insulin therapy (AOR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.24-6.37) were significantly associated with depression symptoms, while males were less likely to report depressive symptoms (AOR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.14-0.86). Routine depression screening in diabetes care is recommended to identify risk factors early and reduce the impact of depression on this population.