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Scholars Journal of Applied Medical Sciences | Volume-3 | Issue-06
Prevalence of Depression in Tuberculosis Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Dr. Rahul Mandaknalli, Dr. Boma Giriraj
Published: Sept. 30, 2015 |
125
127
DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2015.v03i06.060
Pages: 2445-2448
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Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is a global health problem, particularly in developing countries. World health
organization estimates that 2 billion people have latent TB, while another 3 million people worldwide die each
year due to TB. Co morbidity of TB and depression is common and the prevalence of depression with a chronic
physical condition ranges between 25 and 33%. Management of depression in TB patients presents a challenge to
physicians. This was a prospective study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in South India from March 2014 to June
2015. Patients registered in the DOTS clinic, and currently on anti-tubercular drugs for at least one month
duration were included in the study. Patients with medical disorders, psychiatric disorders and treatment for depression
prior to the onset of TB were excluded from the study. The study was approved by institutional ethics committee and
informed consent was taken from all the participants. A total of 147 participants were included in the study. 84% of TB
patients had some degree of depression. Depression was higher in males and in age group of 26-40 years. Most common
degree of depression was moderate depression followed by minimal depression. Other statistical significant difference in
prevalence of depression was observed in unmarried, patients experiencing side effects, coughing and weight gain
patients. Presence of a persistent cough at the time of the study was significantly related to depression (P=0.03), and of
the 107 patients, 36 had persistent cough (33.6).