DEPRESSION AMONG PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATIC MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS ATTENDING TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN NORTHERN NIGERIA.

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatic musculoskeletal disorders are a group of conditions affecting one or multiple joints of the body resulting in pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of joint functions. Being a chronic condition that causes so much morbidity can precipitate psychological disorders, including depression. The comorbidity of depression with rheumatic disorder leads to increased morbidity, disability, and mortality.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of depressive disorder in rheumatic disorder and its correlates among the patients attending the Rheumatoid Clinic of ABUTH, Zaria.

METHODOLOGY: It was a cross-sectional study involving 151 randomly selected participants, using a systematic random sampling method. A sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire, MINI, and WHO Disability Adjusted Scale were administered to them.

RESULTS: The prevalence rate of depressive disorder among the participants was 14.6%. Depression was significantly associated with employment status (χ 2 = 9.402, p=0.004), marital status (χ 2 12.939, p=0.005), severity of pain (χ2 = 16.663, p= 0.001), level of disability (χ 2 = 16.002, p< 0.001) and poor physician recognition of emotional health (χ2 = 14.663, p= 0.001). The level of disability was found to be the independent determinant of depression among the participants.

CONCLUSIONS: Pains and disabilities are common complications of rheumatic disorders. Both are highly associated with depression. Poor recognition of the emotional health of the patient further aggravates depression. The presence of depression on the other further leads to persistent complaints of pain and disabilities. The clinicians should therefore routinely look for depressive illness and promptly refer to mental health services for further evaluation and management. This will increase the overall well-being of the patient.