Depression in Croatian Type 2 diabetic patients: prevalence and risk factors. A Croatian survey from the European Depression in Diabetes (EDID) Research Consortium.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence rate of and risk factors for depression in Croatian Type 2 diabetic patients.


METHODS
Depressive mood was examined in 384 randomly selected outpatients with Type 2 diabetes. Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID) were used to identify depressive disturbances. The groups with CES-D > or = 16 and < 16 were compared with respect to demographic, psychological and clinical characteristics. Regression analysis was used to determine risk factors for depression.


RESULTS
Of the examined patients, 22% had CES-D scores > or = 16, and in 33% of them clinical depression was confirmed by the psychiatric interview. Depressed patients compared with the non-depressed ones reported more diabetes-related problems and poorer well-being (t = 6.71, P < 0.001 and t = 11.98, P < 0.001, respectively). Multiple regression analysis indicated female gender, experienced support and the level of emotional well-being to predict depression (R = 0.74, F = 15.3, P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The obtained data indicate that the prevalence rate in Croatian Type 2 diabetic patients is comparable to findings from other cultural settings. Depressive symptoms can be predicted by psychological rather than disease-related variables. Psychological care for diabetic patients may be necessary to prevent depressive symptomatology.
Vuk Vrhovac University Clinic, Zagreb, Croatia. pibernik@idb.hr
M
M
Pibernik-Okanovic
K
K
Peros
S
S
Szabo
D
D
Begic
Z
Z
Metelko
D017523:Croatia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012944:Social Support