Diabetes and Minor Depression: Health Care Use and Costs
Author Information
Author(s): Lori Nichols, Phoebe L Barton, Judith Glazner, Marianne McCollum
Primary Institution: University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center
Hypothesis
Individuals with both diabetes and minor depression will have higher rates of health care utilization in four categories: ambulatory care, inpatient care, emergency department visits, and prescription medications.
Conclusion
People with diabetes are twice as likely to have depression as the general population.
Supporting Evidence
- Adults with diabetes were more likely than the general population to have depression.
- Depressed individuals had more ambulatory care visits and prescriptions than non-depressed individuals.
- Comorbid conditions were associated with increased health care utilization.
Takeaway
People with diabetes often feel sad or depressed, and this can make it harder for them to take care of their health.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from the 2003 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, identifying diabetes and depression through diagnosis codes and self-reports, and evaluated health care utilization and expenditures.
Potential Biases
Misclassification of depression due to stigma and the restrictive case definition may limit the findings.
Limitations
Potential underreporting of diabetes or depression and reliance on diagnosis codes may misclassify some individuals.
Participant Demographics
The study included 1932 adults with diabetes, of which 435 had minor depression, with a higher prevalence in women and lower income levels.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.56, 2.09
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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