IMPACT OF DEPRESSION IN LOWERING THE QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATIC MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS ATTENDING A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

Abstract

Background: Rheumatic musculoskeletal disorder is a group of inflammatory disorders affecting one or more joints of the body causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of joint functions. They constitute the second most common cause of disability worldwide when measured by years lived with disability (YLDs). Rheumatologic disorders may precipitate psychological distress, including depressive disorders. Depression is presently the fourth leading cause of the global burden of disease. The comorbidity of these disorders may negatively impact the quality of life. Most studies on depression among rheumatoid patients have focused on determinants rather than the role of depressive disorder in lowering quality of life. This study determined the impact of depression in lowering the quality of life of rheumatoid disease patients. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study of randomly selected 151 participants, using a systematic random sampling method was used. The Socio-demographic and clinical questionnaire, MINI, and WHO Quality of Life were administered to them. Result: The majority of the participants were females (56.3%), and more than half were above 40 years (59.7%). About two-thirds had poor quality of life with a score of less than mean±1SD. The prevalence rate of depressive disorder was 14.6%. Poor quality of life was significantly associated with gender (t= 2.111, p=0.038), marital status (t= 3.228, p= 0.002), level of education (t= -3.551, p= 0.001), and living alone (t= 2.025, p= 0.045). Depression was found to be an independent contributor to poor quality of life. Conclusion: Depression is common among rheumatoid patients. There is a need to screen for and treat depression among these patients to improve their quality of life.