Abstract
Aim: This article reports on documented levels of depression among people with diabetes attending indigenous primary care centres. Method: Between 2005 and 2009, clinical audits of diabetes care were conducted in 62 indigenous community health centres from four Australian states and territories. Results: The overall prevalence of documented depression among people with diabetes was 8.8%. Fourteen (23%) of the 62 health centres had no record of either diagnosed depression or prescription of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors among people with diabetes. For the remaining 48 centres, 3.3-36.7% of people with diabetes had documented depression. Discussion: The results of this study are inconsistent with the evidence showing high prevalence of mental distress among indigenous people. A more thorough investigation into the capacity, methods and barriers involved in diagnosing and managing depression in indigenous primary care is needed.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 331-333 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Australian Family Physician |
Volume | 40 |
Issue number | 5 |
Publication status | Published - May 2011 |
Keywords
- Depression
- Diabetes mellitus
- Health services
- Indigenous