Exploring Factors Associated with Depression and Anxiety among Hospitalized Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the current study were to determine the prevalence and severity of anxiety and depression, and to explore associated factors among hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All patients with type 2 diabetes (160 patients) who were admitted to the Internal Medicine Wards of the King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January to August 2015 were asked to participate, and 158 patients agreed to do so. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of 2 parts was used. The first part was on sociodemographic information, and the second part was a validated screening tool for assessing depression and anxiety. The severity of anxiety and depression was classified as normal, mild, moderate, and severe. Logistic regression was carried out to identify variables that were independently associated with anxiety and depression. RESULTS: Using the screening tool, 85 (53.8%) and 80 (50.6%) study patients were identified as patients who suffered from depression and anxiety, respectively. The severity of distress was moderate/severe in 36 (42.4%) patients with depression and 41 (51.3%) patients with anxiety. The factors independently associated with the risk for anxiety in hospitalized patients with diabetes were physical inactivity and staying 8 days or longer in the hospital. On the other hand, factors that were independently associated with the risk for depression were older age, low income, and nephropathy. CONCLUSION: The majority of hospitalized patients with diabetes developed moderate/severe anxiety or depression, or both, during hospitalization. Hence, screening for anxiety and depression in high-risk hospitalized diabetic patients is recommended during hospitalization.