Living with depression and diabetes: A qualitative study in Bangladesh and Pakistan

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002846
• Publication Date: 2024-01-25T18:23:50Z
• Authors: Hannah Maria Jenn...; Ashraful Anas; Sara Asmat; Anum Naz; Saima Afaq; Naveed Ahmed; Faiza Aslam; Gerardo Zavala Gomez; Najma Siddiqi; David Ekers
• Keywords: Depression; Stigma

Diabetes and depression are both serious health conditions. While their relationship is bidirectional each condition adversely affects outcomes for the other, they treated separately. In low middle income countries, such as Bangladesh Pakistan, systems already stretched integration of diabetes care rarely a priority. Within this context through interviews with patients, healthcare workers policy makers study explored: lived experiences people living diabetes, current practice in mental barriers perspectives on integrating brief psychological therapy into care. The findings included: differing patient practitioner understandings distress/depression, high levels stigma lack awareness training treating depression. it was apparent there need more holistic concept intervention appeared acceptable to participants, many logistical were identified. highlights importance recognising drivers distress when planning integrated physical services, specifically adapting implementing new existing services.