Depression in Saudi Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Purpose

Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, little is known about its prevalence and risk factors among Saudi patients, specifically. Therefore, this study sought to determine the prevalence and predictors of depression in patients with RA in Saudi Arabia.

Patients and Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with patients registered at the Saudi Charitable Association for Rheumatic Diseases. Inclusion criteria were that the patients either met the American College of Rheumatology 1987 revised criteria for the classification of RA or the 2010 RA classification criteria. Demographic data and clinical variables were collected, and Beck’s 21-item Depression Inventory was used to assess for depression.

Results

Of the 210 participants with RA, 171 were women (81.4%), and 39 were men (18.6%). The prevalence of depression was 68%. There were significant relationships between age, gender, marital status, and having depression. Rheumatoid factor (RF) was positive in 144 participants (68.6%), which positively correlated with the risk of having depression (P value < 0.001). Moreover, depression severity correlated with age, gender, marital status, RF positivity, and prolonged disease duration.

Conclusion

Based on the results, depression is highly prevalent in Saudi patients with RA, especially those with positive RF and those who are female, middle-aged, and divorced. Early detection and treatment of depression in patients with RA is highly recommended to improve their quality of life and avoid unfavorable effects on RA clinical progression.

Keywords:

• rheumatoid arthritis
• depression
• rheumatoid factor
• Beck’s 21-item depression inventory

Abbreviations

BDI, Beck’s 21-item Depression Inventory; NCD, Noncommunicable disease; OR, Odds ratio; RA, Rheumatoid arthritis; RF, Rheumatoid factor; SD, Standard deviation.

Data Sharing Statement

The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to privacy/ethical restrictions.

Ethics Approval and Informed Consent

The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki of 1975 and was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Ministry of Health in Medina (protocol code IRB 566, approved on November 17, 2020). Informed consent was obtained from all participants involved in the study.

Author Contributions

The author made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is, in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis, and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising, or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The author reports no conflicts of interest in this work.