Prevalence of depressive symptoms amongst pulmonary tuberculosis patients at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu

Abstract

Objective: To ascertain the existence and prevalence of depressive symptoms amongst Pulmonary Tuberculosis patients.
Materials and Methods: A consecutive recruitment of 105 patients affected by tuberculosis seen at the chest clinic of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (U.N.T.H) over a six-week period was done. Pre-tested structured questionnaires as well as the Zung Self rating depression scale were used to collected information from these patients.
Results: The age of respondents ranged from 15-80 years with a mean of 36.7 ±14.4 years. Forty-four (41.9%) patients studied had depressive symptoms. Being widowed or single, increasing age, unemployment, duration of illness , duration of treatment and being accompanied to hospital increased the prevalence of depressive symptoms amongst TB patients. However unemployment, being accompanied to hospital and duration of treatment significantly increased prevalence of depression in affected patients.
Conclusion: Depressive symptoms do occur amongst TB patients. A high index of suspicion should be maintained by medical practitioners who manage TB patients for easy detection and prompt treatment of depressive symptoms.

Keywords: Depression; Tuberculosis

Journal of College of Medicine Vol. 11 (2) 2006: 120-124