Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depressive Symptoms in Patients with Hypertension in Eastern Sudan: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Hypertension poses a significant global health threat and is associated with various mental health conditions, including depression. There are no published data on the prevalence of depressive symptoms in patients with hypertension in Sudan. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms in patients with hypertension in Eastern Sudan and identify the associated factors. Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Gadarif, Eastern Sudan. Data on demographic characteristics, anthropometrics, and clinical history were obtained. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and a multivariate binary analysis was performed. Results: A total of 474 adults with hypertension were enrolled in this study: 162 (34.2%) males and 312 (65.8%) females. The median (interquartile range, IQR) age was 53.0 (45.0–60.0) years. The median (IQR) duration of hypertension was 5.0 (3.0–7.0) years. Of the participants, 42 (8.9%, 95% CI = 6.5–11.7%) had depressive symptoms. The logistic regression analysis showed that increasing age (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 1.05, 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.01–1.10), being unmarried (AOR = 4.27, 95%, CI = 1.71–10.67), and tobacco use (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI = 1.04–5.80) were associated with depressive symptoms. Sex, the duration of hypertension, the number of medications, education level, and comorbidities were not associated with depressive symptoms. Conclusions: This study revealed that, in patients with hypertension, 8.9% had depressive symptoms, which were significantly associated with older age, being unmarried, and tobacco use. These findings emphasize the need for targeted mental-health interventions that address social and lifestyle factors to improve the overall well-being of hypertensive patients.