Predictors of depression symptoms in patients with diabetes in Slovakia

The patterns of relationships between diabetes and depression in countries of central and eastern Europe (CEE) might differ from those in countries of western Europe and the United States. Among the reasons are specifics of transitioning healthcare systems (including mental health) and the general social, cultural, and economic background of these countries. The aim of this article is to analyze the prevalence of depression symptoms in patients with diabetes in Slovakia and to identify its predictors.

Diabetes patients (N= 1043) from two diabetes outpatient-care offices were recruited for the study. The Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) was applied to screen for depression symptoms. Patients were categorized into four categories based on depression symptom severity. Demographic and disease-related factors were analyzed as predictors of depression symptoms.

In the univariate analysis, a number of factors were associated with increasing severity of depression symptoms. In the multivariate analysis, lower education (OR 0.52; Cl 95% 0.33-0.81), and high degree of self-perceived severity of illness (OR 5.33; CI 95% 2.47-12.12) were confirmed as independent predictors of depression symptoms in our patients.

Demographic and psychological factors have an important role in developing depression symptoms in patients with diabetes in our population. Further studies into the topic are needed to gain further clues on this topic throughout the Central European region. The findings of this study should be considered by mental health service providers and public health authorities to raise awareness about this important issue.