Depression and Distress in Palestinian patients with Type II Diabetes: A cross sectional study from a diabetes center in Palestine
1
family medicine, palestine polytechnic university , palestine academy of science and technology, hebron, Palestinian Territory, Occupied
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT:
Abstract :
BACKGROUND:
Depression and diabetes distress are prevalent among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), especially in regions affected by armed conflict. In Palestine, the ongoing war contributes additional psychosocial stressors that may intensify the emotional burden of chronic disease. This study aims to assess the prevalence of depression and diabetes-related distress among patients with T2DM and explore associated clinical and sociodemographic factors.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted over 6 months (December 2024 – June 2025) at a diabetes center in southern Palestine. Using a random sampling method, 365 adult patients with T2DM were recruited. Validated Arabic versions of the Diabetes Distress Scale-17 (DDS-17) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were administered through face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics and Poisson regression analysis were used to identify factors associated with distress and depression.
RESULTS:
Of the participants, 31.5% reported mild distress, 28.8% moderate, 20.5% high distress, and 19.2% had no distress. Depression levels were severe in 36.2%, moderate in 29%, mild in 14.5%, and absent in 20.3%. Higher HbA1c levels, disease duration, nephropathy, retinopathy, and insulin use were significantly associated with both depression and distress. Male gender was more associated with depression, while lower educational levels and moderate income predicted higher distress.
CONCLUSIONS:
There is a high burden of depression and distress among Palestinian patients with T2DM, may compounded by the stress of living in a conflict zone. Integrated psychological and diabetes care is urgently needed to improve health outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Abstract :
BACKGROUND:
Depression and diabetes distress are prevalent among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), especially in regions affected by armed conflict. In Palestine, the ongoing war contributes additional psychosocial stressors that may intensify the emotional burden of chronic disease. This study aims to assess the prevalence of depression and diabetes-related distress among patients with T2DM and explore associated clinical and sociodemographic factors.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted over 6 months (December 2024 – June 2025) at a diabetes center in southern Palestine. Using a random sampling method, 365 adult patients with T2DM were recruited. Validated Arabic versions of the Diabetes Distress Scale-17 (DDS-17) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were administered through face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics and Poisson regression analysis were used to identify factors associated with distress and depression.
RESULTS:
Of the participants, 31.5% reported mild distress, 28.8% moderate, 20.5% high distress, and 19.2% had no distress. Depression levels were severe in 36.2%, moderate in 29%, mild in 14.5%, and absent in 20.3%. Higher HbA1c levels, disease duration, nephropathy, retinopathy, and insulin use were significantly associated with both depression and distress. Male gender was more associated with depression, while lower educational levels and moderate income predicted higher distress.
CONCLUSIONS:
There is a high burden of depression and distress among Palestinian patients with T2DM, may compounded by the stress of living in a conflict zone. Integrated psychological and diabetes care is urgently needed to improve health outcomes in this vulnerable population.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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