Prevalence of depression in people with epilepsy: A hospital-based study in Cameroon

Introduction: depression is a psychiatric disorder present in many chronic diseases with varying prevalences. In people with epilepsy (PWE), it represents the most frequent psychiatric comorbidity associated with impaired quality of life, and increased risk of suicide. The aim of this research was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with depression in PWE. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study with an age- and sex- matched control group, conducted between February 12 and May 15, 2024, in two referral hospital of Douala. It included individuals (PWE and controls) aged 18 years and older who agreed to participate in the study. Individuals (PWE and controls) with a serious general health problem that could have a significant impact on mental status (hypertension, HIV, diabetes, renal failure, heart failure, dementia, bipolar disorder) or an inability to communicate were excluded. Recruitment was done through an online and in-person survey using a form. We collected sociodemographic data, and data on epilepsy in PWE. Depression was evaluated using the PHQ-9 scale. We used the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7) to assess anxiety disorders. Univariate and multivariate analysis (binary logistic regression) were used to identify the factors significantly associated with depression in PWE. The significance threshold was considered for a value of p < 0.05. Results: a total of 633 individuals, including 211 PWE, were included in the study. The prevalence of depression was significantly higher in PWE (24.6 %) compared to controls (11.8 %) (OR: 2.0, 95 %CI: 1.433-2.905, p < 0.001). Anxiety disorders was significantly higher in PWE (OR: 1.6, 95 %CI: 1.101-2.397, p = 0.014). Factors independently associated to depression were female sex (OR: 2.7, 95 %CI: 1.115-6.343, p = 0.027), suicidal ideation (OR: 5.8, 95 %CI: 2.083-16.174, p = 0.001), and anxiety disorders (OR: 10.2, 95 %CI: 4.023-25.748, p < 0.001). Conclusion: the prevalence of depression is high in PWE compared to controls in Douala. A systematic screening should be included in the follow-up of PWE.