Burden of Depression and its Correlates among Patients of Skin Diseases: A Snap-shot from Dermatology Outpatient Clinic in Karachi, Pakistan

Background: Skin problems are widespread health issues that account for a significant portion of the burden of disease worldwidand because of this dermatologists frequently face mood disorders. Objective: The present study has been planned to determine the prevalence and correlates of depression among skin disease patients presenting in dermatology clinic in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed at the dermatology clinic at Noor-e-Zia Consultant Clinics from April to August 2022. Depression screening was performed using the Patient Health Questionnaire of 9 items (PHQ-9). The cut-off for positive depression screening was 10 and above. Results: A total of 385 patients were studied with a median age of 38 (IQR=27-48) years and the majority of them were females (n=256, 66.5%). Patients presented with a median disease duration of one month with a range of 1-24 months. 188 (48.8%) had a PHQ-9 score ≥10. On multivariable logistic regression, lower education, occupation, patients living in a joint family system, current smokers, presence of comorbid, disease severity, and diagnosis of urticaria and folliculitis were associated with higher odds of depression. Conclusion: The depression burden was higher in dermatology clinic with significantly higher depression among patients of loweeducation, students, current smokers, patients with comorbid, disease severity, and diagnoses with urticaria and folliculitis.