Risk Factors for the Occurrence of Depressive Disorders in Pediatric Patients With Tuberculosis

Oana Mariana Mihailov1,2, Loredana Stavar Matei2, George Tocu3

  • 1Children Pneumology Department, Pneumophthisiology Hospital "Sfântul Spiridon" of Galati, Galați, 800198, Romania.

Insights

Pediatric tuberculosis patients frequently experience depressive disorders, with 92.4% showing symptoms. Rural background, male gender, and older age (15-18) were key risk factors for depression in these children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Child and adolescent psychiatry
  • Public health

Background:

  • Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health challenge, disproportionately affecting children.
  • Pediatric TB patients are at high risk for developing depressive disorders, impacting quality of life and treatment adherence.
  • Identifying risk and prognostic factors for depression in pediatric TB is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of depressive disorders in pediatric TB patients.
  • To analyze risk factors (age, gender, origin, medical access) associated with depression in this population.
  • To evaluate the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) as a diagnostic tool and correlate clinical data with CDI scores.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 190 pediatric TB patients (ages 7-18) treated between 2019-2021.
  • The Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) was administered to assess depressive symptoms.
  • Analysis of demographic and clinical data alongside CDI scores.

Main Results:

  • 158 patients completed the CDI; 146 (92.4%) exhibited clinically significant depressive symptoms.
  • Key risk factors identified: rural background, male gender, and age group 15-18 years.
  • The CDI proved effective in identifying depressive symptoms in this cohort.

Conclusions:

  • A high prevalence of depressive disorders exists in pediatric TB patients.
  • Specific demographic factors (rural, male, older adolescents) are associated with increased depression risk.
  • Early identification and prospective monitoring of these factors are vital for improving outcomes in pediatric TB and co-occurring depression.
Abstract

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