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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.
Background:
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the oldest and most persistent infectious diseases, continuing to pose a significant public health challenge worldwide. Children diagnosed with TB are particularly vulnerable to developing depressive disorders, which can significantly reduce their quality of life and negatively affect treatment adherence and recovery. This study aimed to identify risk and prognostic factors associated with depressive disorders in pediatric patients diagnosed with tuberculosis through a prospective analysis.
Materials And Methods:
A prospective study was conducted on 190 pediatric patients, aged 7 to 18 years, diagnosed with tuberculosis and treated at the Pneumophthisiology Hospital in Galați, Romania, between 2019 and 2021. The CDI (Children's Depression Inventory) was administered to assess depressive symptoms over the course of the study.
Objective:
The study aims to determine the prevalence of depressive disorders in children and adolescents by analyzing risk factors such as age, gender, place of origin, and access to medical services, as well as the effectiveness of CDI as a diagnostic tool. It also seeks to correlate clinical and demographic data with CDI scores and evaluate changes over time to identify solutions that support early diagnosis and intervention.
Results:
Out of the initial 190 patients, 158 completed the CDI, as some did not return for follow-up evaluations or declined to participate. Of these, 146 (92.4%) demonstrated clinically significant depressive symptoms. Key risk factors for depressive disorders included a rural background, male gender, and age between 15 and 18 years.
Conclusion:
Specific risk factors and vulnerabilities contribute to the development of depressive disorders in pediatric TB patients. Early identification and monitoring of these factors in a prospective framework are essential for improving the prognosis of both depression and tuberculosis, ultimately enhancing the overall outcomes for affected children.
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