Prevalence and incidence of diagnosed depression disorders in patients with diabetes: a national population-based cohort study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and incidence of diagnosed depression disorders among patients with diabetes in Taiwan.

Methods: Study subjects were identified by at least one service claim for ambulatory or inpatient care with a principal diagnosis of depression disorder, and at least two service claims for ambulatory care or one service claim for inpatient care with a principal diagnosis of diabetes from 2000 to 2004, as found in the National Health Insurance database.

Results: The 1-year prevalence of diagnosed depression disorders in the general population was 11.22 per 1000 in 2000, while the 5-year cumulative diagnosed prevalence increased to 40.76 per 1000 in 2004. The 1-year prevalence rate of diagnosed depression disorders among patients with diabetes was 33.95 per 1000 in 2000, and the 5-year cumulative prevalence increased to 92.17 per 1000 in 2004. Patients with diabetes had a higher 5-year cumulative prevalence and annual incidence than the general population throughout the observation period. A higher diagnosed prevalence was associated with a monthly income <US*$640 using multiple logistic regression analysis. Cox regression analysis revealed that a lower incidence was associated with male gender.

Conclusions: The prevalence and annual incidence density of diagnosed depression disorders in patients with diabetes were significantly higher than those in the general population. The prevalence of diagnosed depression disorder among patients with diabetes in Taiwan was lower than the rate in Western countries.