Depression and Distress among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus during COVID-19 Pandemic

Depression and distress among patients with diabetes mellitus is highly prevalent and common co morbidity which are often unrecognized and underdiagnosed. This study was aimed at assessing the depression and distress among patients with diabetes mellitus. Methods and Materials: This study was conducted using cross sectional, descriptive correlational research design, in Dharmapuri and Chennai districts of Tamil Nadu among 150 diabetic patients who were selected using purposive sampling technique. The data was collected using the pretested and predetermined tools such as Demographic variables proforma, clinical variables proforma and Rating scale on COVID 19 Peritraumatic Stress Index Questionnaire using the Google forms through WhatsApp and E-mail. Collected data was analyzed through appropriate descriptive statistics (Frequency, %, Mean and SD) and inferential statistics (Chi Square). Results: Regarding level of depression and distress among patients with diabetes mellitus 80% had some form of depression and 67.3% had some form of distress which varied in degrees. Depression and distress scores were higher with the mean score of depression was 16.9 /35.2 with SD 9.73 and mean score of distress was 16.8/35 with SD 11.05. Depression and distress scores were higher among COVID 19 in self, family members, close relatives, neighbors and patients with family history of diabetes mellitus.   Conclusion: Depression and distress are common co morbidity among patients with diabetes mellitus during COVID 19 pandemic, which can be identified and treated effectively.