Magnitude and Associated Factors of Depression among Hypertensive Patients Attending Hospitals in Arba Minch Town, South Ethiopia

Background: The presence of depression among hypertensive patients leads to a lack of adherence to treatment and poor compliance with lifestyle adjustments. Objectives: To assess the magnitude and associated factors of depression among hypertensive patients attending hospitals in Arba Minch town, Gamo zone, south Ethiopia, 2024. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was employed from 1 May to 30 June 2024. The total sample size was 395. A systematic random sampling technique was used. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews. Data was entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and then exported to the SPSS version 25 statistical package for analysis. Logistic regression analysis tested the association between the independent and the outcome variables. Finally, a significant independent association was interpreted at a P-value of less than 0.05 with 95%CI. Result: The magnitude of depression among hypertensive patients was 43.6% with 95% CI (38.2-48.7). Taking multiple antihypertensive medications [AOR: 2.19, 95%CI: 1.16-4.16], history of admission [AOR: 0.24, 95%CI: 0.12-0.46], blood pressure status [AOR: 0.07, 95%CI: 0.03-0.16], body mass index <18.5 kgm2 [AOR: 0.12, 95%CI: 0.02-0.83], 18.5-24.9 kgm2 [AOR: 0.14, 95%CI: 0.04-0.52], 25-29.9 kgm2 [AOR: 0.23, 95%CI: 0.06-0.91], family history of hypertension [AOR: 3.06, 95%CI: 1.27-7.37], family history of depression [AOR: 5.01, 95%CI: 2.02-12.43], ever alcohol drinker [AOR: 3.37, 95%CI: 1.32-8.58], and ever smoke cigarette [AOR: 3.44, 95%CI: 1.26-9.34] were associated with depression among hypertensive patients. Conclusion: The number of antihypertensive medications, history of admission, blood pressure status, body mass index, family history of hypertension, family history of depression, ever alcohol drinker, and ever smoked cigarette were significantly associated with depression among hypertensive patients. Therefore, limiting the number of medications, controlling blood pressure, reducing body mass index, screening and treating family-related hypertension and depression, and abstinence from alcohol and smoking might reduce the burden of depression among hypertensive patients.