Authors (including presenting author) :
Tsim KL (1), Wun YT (2), Chan PF (1), Chao DVK (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, United Christian Hospital and Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Kowloon East Cluster, Hospital Authority (2) Department Family Medicine and Primary Care, University of Hong Kong
Introduction :
Smoking is a well known global health issue. Depression itself is also fast becoming a major health concern worldwide. It has been estimated that depression will become the second leading cause of disability throughout the world by the year 2020.
Objectives :
The objectives of this study were to compare the prevalence of depression in Chinese chronic illness patients who smoked with that of those who do not, and to identify possible associated factors for this.
Methodology :
Chronic illness patients registered in one of Hong Kong’s public primary care clinics were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study conducted over 3months starting from 1st October 2015. The participants completed a self-administered questionnaire into which the validated Chinese version of Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression was incorporated. They were divided into current smokers, and non- smokers. The prevalence of depression as defined by patients who had a PHQ-9 score ≥5 in both target groups were compared and possible associations between demographic variables, smoking status, chronic illness subtypes and depression were analysed. The Chi-Square test or Fisher exact test was used to examine possible associations except age. For the analysis of PHQ-9 outcomes and age, the T-test was used. After the univariate analysis, all variables with a p-value <0.3 were included in a multiple logistic regression.
Result & Outcome :
A total of 252 patients were recruited (response rate of 70%). Diabetic smokers were shown to be associated with depression (p=0.028). Other variables were not shown to have statistically significant association with depression. Overall, chronic illness smokers as a group had a lower prevalence of PHQ-9 score ≥5 than that of non-smokers (13.7% vs 16.6%). This result was not shown to be of statistical significance (p=0.544). Among the chronic patients analysed, diabetes mellitus smokers showed a statistically significant association with depression. It is therefore important for family physicians who consult with these patients to assess their mental status in order to pick up the early signs of this significant co-morbidity and hence provide early intervention.
Co-location with:
