Determinants of Depression among Adult Epileptic Patients, in Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital and Mekelle General Hospital, Tigray, Ethiopia. Case Control Study

Abstract

Background: Depression is one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders occurring in patients with epilepsy. There are no studies that assessed the factors among epileptic people in Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia. Therefore, this study determined the factors of depression in people with epilepsy. Methods: Unmatched case control study was conducted from May 1 to 30, 2019 in Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital and Mekelle General Hospital on 66 cases and 132 controls calculated using double population proportion formula. Study subjects were selected two controls after each case. Data were collected using a standardized and pretested questioner. Data was collected by four trained BSc nursing professionals under Psychiatric Nurse supervisor. Depression was measured by patient health questionnaire-nine using face to face interview techniques. Data were analyzed using SPSS 23. Result: This study revealed that being female (AOR=2.79, 95% CI: 1.08-7.18, P=0.03), living with relative (AOR=2.82,95% CI:1.12-7.18, P=0.03), seizure frequency four and above per month (AOR=6.00, 95% CI:1.39-25.86, P=0.02), age onset of epilepsy between 12-24 years of age (AOR=3.11, 95% CI: 1.06-9.18, P=0.04), poor social support (AOR=5.34, 95% CI: 2.13-13.41, P=0.00) were significantly associated with depression. Conclusion: Factor associated like gender (female), living status (with relative), poor social support, age onset of epilepsy (between 12 to 24 years) and seizure frequency are the factors associated with depression. Depression prevention efforts should be targeted towards these risk factors.