Mental Health Status and Associated Factors Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Cameroon

Malika Esembeson; Tanyi Shelly Endam; Tendongfor Nicholas

doi:doi:10.11648/j.cajph.20261202.13

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Mental Health Status and Associated Factors Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Cameroon

Malika Esembeson^*, Tanyi Shelly Endam, Tendongfor Nicholas

Published in Central African Journal of Public Health (Volume 12, Issue 2)

Received: 24 November 2025 Accepted: 31 January 2026 Published: 17 March 2026

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Abstract

The rising burden of diabetes in developing countries is a call for concern. In Cameroon there is little data in Cameroon on the mental health status of people living with diabetes. This study assessed the mental health status (depression and anxiety) of people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) seeking treatment in the Buea Regional Hospital, Cameroon. The study was a hospital-based cross-sectional study, involving 230 type 2 diabetic patients seeking treatment in the Buea Regional hospital. Quantitative data on depression and anxiety was collected using standard questionnaires Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ9) and Generalize Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). The scores were used to determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety. A binary logistic regression was done to determine the factors independently associated with anxiety and depression among T2DM. A total of 230 participants were recruited into the study with more than half being female 164 (71.3%). The mean age of 56.8 ±12.37. The prevalence of anxiety and depression were (19.6%) and (30.0%) respectively. Anxiety was associated with the level of income (AOR= 9.28, 95%CI [1.07-80.37]) and the duration of the diseases (AOR= 6.64, 95%CI [2.34-18.91]). Likewise, depression was also associated with level of income (AOR= 4.50, 95%CI [1.13-18.00]) and the duration of the disease (AOR= 2.46, 95%CI [1.35-5.16]) Those with comorbidity (AOR= 2.26) were more likely to be depressed compared to those without co-morbidity. Those who did physical exercises were less likely to be depressed (AOR= 0.41) compared to those who didn’t do physical exercise. In conclusion, these findings provide context-specific evidence to guide interventions aimed at improving the psychosocial well-being of type 2 diabetic patients in Cameroon. We therefore recommend from the highlight of the study, the necessity to screen diabetic patients for mental health related issues and to incorporate mental health counselling in their hospital care.

Published in	Central African Journal of Public Health (Volume 12, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.cajph.20261202.13
Page(s)	76-83
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Anxiety, Depression, Diabetes Type 2, Mental Health, Cameroon

1. Background

The global prevalence of diabetes in adults has been increasing over recent decades

[1, 2]

. The incidence of Type 2 diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) continues to increase, and it is projected that there will be more than 590 million patients diagnosed with this condition by 2035. In the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), an estimated 14.2 (9.5–29.4) million people aged 20–79 have diabetes,

[3, 4]

According to the International Diabetic Federation, 620,800 adults in Cameroon were living with diabetes in 2021, giving a prevalence of 4.8% which is on a continuous rise, placing diabetes as an important cause of ill health and a risk factor for other chronic diseases in Cameroon

[5]

. Some common complications from diabetes includes; hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, diabetic foot etc., and psychosocial or mental health issues which is sometimes missed. The Cameroon government has implemented several initiatives to reduce the burden of diabetes complications such as; specialized diabetes clinics, Integration of diabetes care into primary health care, education and nutrition, integration of hypertension and diabetes care etc., but very little or no programs to cater for the mental health of diabetes patients,

[3-5]

Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community

[6]

. The World Health Organization considers that depression is one of the leading causes of health deterioration and progression towards disability. This condition has been associated with a higher risk of diabetes complications and increased health care services utilization among patients with T2D

[6]

. The association between T2DM and poor mental health has been well documented. A large body of evidence has highlighted that both anxiety and depression are more common in people with diabetes than in the general population

[6, 7]

. Furthermore, it has been consistently shown that depression is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality in people with diabetes

[7]

In our setting, data on mental status in the T2DM patients is scarce. Understanding this relationship is critical for tailoring holistic diabetes care interventions that address both physical and psychosocial needs. This study aimed to assess the mental health status of patients living with T2DM seeking treatment in the Buea Regional Hospital, Cameroon. Specifically, to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression and identify factors independently associated with depression and anxiety.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Study Area

The study was conducted at the Buea Regional Hospital in the Buea Health District, South-West Region of Cameroon, which operates a diabetic clinic serving approximately 700 registered patients. Clinic days are held twice weekly, with services including therapeutic management, education, and routine monitoring. However, the clinic remains open throughout the week except on weekend days for missed appointments and or emergencies as well newly diagnosed patients. Other activities offered include blood glucose and blood pressure checks.

2.2. Study Design and Population

The study was a cross-sectional hospital-based study involving type 2 diabetic patients, enrolled through consecutive sampling technique. The study utilized a pre-tested questionnaire administered to 230 diabetic patients to collect data on depression, anxiety. Eligible participants were adults aged ≥ 21 years with a confirmed diagnosis of T2DM and at least 6 months of follow-up at the diabetic clinic, mentally stable and who gave their consent. Diagnosis is confirmed by a medical doctor, using the WHO guideline of; a fasting plasma of ≥ 7.0 mmol/L (126mg/dl), a 2-hour plasma glucose ≥11.1mmol/L (200mg/dl) during an OGTT or HbA11c ≥6.5% (≥ 48 mmol/mol)

[8]

Data collection tools. Depression was assessed using the patient health Questionnaire (PHQ-9 questionnaire). Responses to the 9 items questionnaire were recorded on a four-point Likert scale that ranged from 0 (“Never”) to 3 (“Almost every day”)

[9]

. Anxiety was assessed using the generalized anxiety disorder questionnaire (GAD-7)

[10]

. The GAD-7 scale consists of seven items that are answered on a four-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (“Never”) to 3 (“Almost every day”). A trained research assistant administered the questionnaire to the study participants in the English language to collected data.

2.3. Statistical Analysis

The data collected was checked for proper filling of the questionnaire and entered in Kobo Collect, cleaned and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27. Frequencies, proportions, percentages, mean and standard deviation were used for descriptive analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors independently associated with depression and anxiety. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

For depression, the overall scores were calculated and categorized into five groups according to the severity: minimum (0–4), mild (5–9), moderate (11–15), moderately severe (16–20), and severe (20–27). Individuals scoring within the moderate to severe range (scores ≥ 10) were classified as suffering from depression.

For anxiety, overall scores were calculated, and patients were classified into four categories: low (0–4), mild (5–9), moderate (10–14) and severe (15–21). Individuals with scores equal to and greater than 10 (moderate to severe) were classified as suffering from anxiety

[10]

In order to determine factors independently associated with depression and anxiety, a multivariate logistic regression was fitted and adjusted odds ratios, confidence intervals and p-values ≤0.2 were estimated. Model assessment was done using the Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. P-values < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

2.4. Ethical Consideration

Ethical clearance was obtained from the Regional Delegation of Public Health South West Region (No. CRESH/SW/C/04/2025). Administrative authorizations were obtained from the Regional Delegation of Public Health South West Region and the Buea Regional Hospital. The study adhered to the ethical principles of the World Medical Association’s Declaration of Helsinki. All the respondents signed a consent form before being enrolled into the study. Participation was voluntary, and respondents were assured of confidentiality through anonymized questionnaires. Participants were free to withdraw from the study anytime they deemed necessary, data were stored securely in (Google cloud, hard disk drive and flash) with access limited to the research team.

3. Results

3.1. Sociodemographic Characteristics of Participants

A total of 230 participants were recruited into the study from the Buea Regional Hospital. More than half were female 164 (71.3%). The mean age of participants was 56.8 ±12.37. The age group 40-60 were most represented 125 (54.3), and those with <40 years were the least represented. For the educational level, most of the participants, 66 (28.7%) had reached the university level, 22 (9.6%) had no formal education. One third of the participants, 83 (36.1%) had a monthly income level of <50000frs and 5 (2.2%) had income level >300000frs. For the employment status, a larger fraction of participants 82 (35.7%) were self-employed. As concerns marital status,148 (64.3%) were married while 32 (13.9%) were single. Majority 180 (78.3%) indicated to live in a house hold size of 4-6 persons. For the payment of the hospital bills, 153 (66.5%) participants paid themselves whereas 102 (44.3%) were paid by their children (Table 1).

Table 1. Demographic characteristic of the type 2 diabetic patients in the Buea Regional Hospital.

Variable	Category	Frequency	Percentage
Sex	Female	164	71.3
	Male	66	28.7
	Total	230	100
Age group in years	< 40	24	10.4
	40 - 60	125	54.3
	> 60	81	35.2
	Total	230	100
Level of education	No formal education	22	9.6
	Primary school	46	20
	Secondary school	47	20.4
	High school	49	21.3
	University	66	28.7
	Total	230	100
Employment status	Employed by a private sector	14	6.1
	Employed by the Government	38	16.5
	Retired	46	20
	Self employed	82	35.7
	Unemployed	50	21.7
	Total	230	100
Income in CFA	≤ 50,000	83	36.1
	51,000 -100,000	71	30.9
	101,000 -200,000	56	24.3
	201,000-300,000	15	6.5
	>300,000	5	2.2
	Total	230	100
Marital status	Divorce	8	3.5
	Living with a partner	14	6.1
	Married	148	64.3
	Single	32	13.9
	Widow/widower	28	12.2
	Total	230	100
House hold size	0_3	39	17
	4_6	180	78.3
	>10	11	4.8
	Total	230	100
Responsible for bills	Your children	102	44.3
	Yourself	153	66.5
	Friends	27	11.7
	Insurance	3	1.3
	Others	20	8.7
	Total	305	132.6

***Participants could select more than one source of bill payment, hence totals exceed 100%.

3.2. Clinical and Lifestyle Characteristics of the Study Participants

In profiling the disease characteristics and lifestyle, 125 (54.3%) participants had diabetes over 1-5 years, whereas 74 (32.2%) had the disease between 6-10years and 31 (13.5%) had diabetes for more than 10 years. above half of the study participants, 154 (67.0%) had comorbidities The study also revealed that 136 (59.1) of the participants did not consume alcohol and most of them, 162 (70.4%) did not do physical exercise (Table 2).

Table 2. Clinical and life style characteristics of type 2 diabetic patients in the Buea Regional Hospital.

Variable	Category	Frequency	Percent
Alcohol consumption	No	136	59.1
	Yes	94	40.9
	Total	230	100
Smoking of cigarette	No	211	91.7
	Yes	19	8.3
	Total	230	100
Does physical exercise	No	162	70.4
	Yes	68	29.6
	Total	230	100
Suffering from comorbidity (hypertension, Cardiovascular diseases)	No	76	33
	Yes	154	67
	Total	230	100
Duration of the disease	1-5	125	54.3
	6-10	74	32.2
	>10	31	13.5
	Total	230	100

3.3. Prevalence of Anxiety Amongst Type 2 Diabetes Patients in the Buea Regional Hospital

Out of 230 participants included in the study, 86 (37.4%) had mild anxiety, 99 (43.0%) had minimal anxiety, 32 (13.9) had moderate anxiety, and 13 (5.7%) had severe anxiety (Figure 1). Overall, the prevalence of anxiety was 45 (19.6%) (Figure 2).

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Figure 1. Level of anxiety among study participants.

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Figure 2. Prevalence of anxiety amongst type 2 diabetic patients in the Buea Regional Hospital.

3.4. Prevalence of Depression Amongst Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in the Buea Regional Hospital

Out of 230 participants included in the study, one third of the participants, 87 (37.8%) had mild depression, 61 (26.5%) had minimal depression and 42 (18.3%) had moderate depression. Severe depression was observed in 9 (3.9%) of the study participants (Figure 3). The overall prevalence of depression was 69 (30.0%) (Figure 4).

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Figure 3. Level of depression among participant in the Buea Regional Hospital.

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Figure 4. Prevalence of Depression amongst type 2 diabetic patients in the Buea Regional Hospital.

3.5. Factors Associated with Anxiety Among Type 2 Diabetic Patient at the Buea Regional Hospital

The multivariate logistic regression analysis using a p-value of 0.05, revealed that educational level, monthly income level, and the duration of the disease were independently associated with anxiety. The odds of the participants with primary school level developing anxiety were 88% less (AOR= 0.22, 95%CI [0.06,0.74]) than those with university education. The odds of participants with income level below 50000frs being anxious were 9 times higher (AOR= 9.28, 95%CI [1.07-80.37]) compared to those who earned above 200000frs. The odds of participants with the disease duration more than 10 years developing anxiety were 7 times higher (AOR= 6.64, 95%CI [2.34-18.91]) compared to those with who had the disease for 1 to 5 years (Table 3).

Table 3. Factors associated with anxiety among type 2 diabetic patient at the Buea Regional Hospital.

variable	Categories	AOR	95% CI
variable	Categories	AOR	Lower	Upper	P-value
Education level	High school	0.87	0.29	2.61	0.803
	No formal education	0.80	0.22	2.90	0.730
	Primary school	0.22	0.06	0.74	0.015
	Secondary school	0.52	0.17	1.57	0.247
	University	1
Income level	≤ 50,000	9.28	1.07	80.37	0.043
	101,000 -200,000	1.28	0.12	13.23	0.838
	51,000 -100,000	5.50	0.65	46.81	0.119
	> 200,000	1
Physical exercise	Yes	0.43	0.17	1.09	0.076
Physical exercise	No	1
Duration of the disease	>10	6.64	2.34	18.91	<0.001
	6-10	1.81	0.76	4.30	0.180
	1-5

3.6. Factors Associated with Depression Among Type 2 Diabetic Patient at the Buea Regional Hospital

After controlling for confounders, monthly income level, physical exercise, duration of the disease and comorbidity were independently associated with depression. The odds of participants with income level below 50000frs being depressed were 5 times higher (AOR= 4.50, 95%CI [1.13-18.00]) than those who earn above 200000frs. The odds of participants who carry out physical exercise developing depression were 0.41 less (AOR= 0.41, 95% CI [0.19-0.86] compared to those who do not carry out physical exercise. The odds of participant who have had the disease between 6 to 10 years were about 3 times higher (AOR= 2.46, 95%CI [1.35-5.16]) than those who has been with the disease for 1 to 5 years. Odds of participants with comorbidity developing depression were about 2 times higher (AOR= 2.26, 95%CI [1.12-4.58]) than those who had no comorbidity (Table 4).

Table 4. Factors associated with depression among type 2 diabetic patient at the Buea Regional Hospital.

variable	Categories	AOR	95% CI		P-value
variable	Categories	AOR	Lower	Upper	P-value
Income level	≤ 50,000	4.50	1.13	18.00	0.033
	101,000 -200,000	2.14	0.52	8.82	0.292
	51,000 -100,000	2.77	0.69	11.08	0.149
	> 200,000	1
Physical exercise	Yes	0.41	0.19	0.86	0.018
Physical exercise	No	1
Duration of the disease	>10	2.19	0.87	5.51	0.097
	6_10	2.64	1.35	5.16	0.005
	1_5	1
Comorbidity (hypertension, Cardiovascular diseases)	Yes	2.26	1.12	4.58	0.023
Comorbidity (hypertension, Cardiovascular diseases)	No	1

4. Discussion

This study revealed that lack of physical exercise, comorbidity, low income and duration of disease were significantly associated with depression. The prevalence of anxiety was twenty-two percent with; duration of disease, income level and low level of education being significantly associated.

This prevalence of depression is high indicating the poor mental health status of T2DM patients. This result highlights the need of a public health intervention to mitigate this high prevalence of depression. These findings corroborate with those of a study conducted in Douala, Guinea and Nigeria which revealed a prevalence of depression among T2DM,

[11-12]

. These findings are contrary to those in Morocco who reported a lesser prevalence of depression,

[13]

Our study showed that lack of physical exercise was significantly associated with depression agreeing with previous research carried out in Douala

[11]

. There was also a significant relationship between comorbidity and depression which aligns with a previous study done in Nigeria

[12]

. Depression was also associated with low-income level and duration of the disease. This is an indication that poor living condition and the duration of the disease negatively affect the mental health status (depression) of T2Dpatients. These findings align with those of studies conducted in Morocco and Malaysia

[13, 14]

Anxiety prevalence in our study was 22%, lower than the 35–40% reported in Nigeria and Guinea

[7, 12]

. This difference may be due to cultural perceptions of anxiety, differences in healthcare-seeking behaviors, or variation in measurement tools applied across studies.

Our study showed that the duration of the disease was positively associated with anxiety. This is an indication that the longer people live with T2D disease the more anxious they become. This anxiety could be linked to the development of 67% of the participants with comorbidity (hypertension, other Cardiovascular diseases) or complications affecting quality of life when the disease is poorly managed

[15, 16]

. Our findings align with those of studies conducted in Romania and Morocco, that revealed an association between anxiety and the duration of the disease

[13, 15]

. Income level was significantly associated to anxiety with people who earn less being more anxious compared to those who earn higher income. To this, subsidized health insurance could reduce both the psychological burden and financial stressors associated with diabetes.

This could be attributed to health system where a vast majority of the population pay their health bills from out of pocket, meaning they are not enrolled with any health insurance scheme. Also, people with lower level of education were more anxious than those with the higher education. This could be due to the fact that people with higher education level may have good knowledge of the disease hence a better control of their mental health.

5. Conclusion

The prevalence of depression and anxiety in type 2 diabetic patients at the Buea regional hospital was high. Key predictors of depression included socioeconomic status, disease duration, and lifestyle factors such as physical activity, whereas anxiety was affected by income level and duration of the disease. This study contributes to the limited evidence on mental health and quality of life among diabetic patients in Cameroon, offering insights that may guide context-specific interventions. Integrating routine mental health screening using brief depression screening tools such as PHQ-9 during regular check-ups in the diabetic clinic is paramount. This study even though carried out in one hospital provides valuable preliminary evidence that could inform future national or multi-centre investigations.

Abbreviations

GAD-7	Generalized Anxiety Disorder
PHQ9	Patient Health Questionnaire 9
T2DM	Type 2 diabetes Mellitus

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest for this work.

References

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[2]	Reed J, Bain S, Kanamarlapudi V. A review of current trends with type 2 diabetes epidemiology, aetiology, pathogenesis, treatments and future perspectives. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity. 2021 Aug 10: 3567-602.
[3]	Bigna JJ, Nansseu JR, Katte JC, Noubiap JJ. Prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes mellitus among adults residing in Cameroon: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. 2018 Mar 1; 137: 109-18.
[4]	Assah F, Mbanya JC. Diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa. Diabetes mellitus in developing countries and underserved communities. 2017: 33-48.
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[8]	World Health Organization. Classification of diabetes mellitus. WHO 2019.
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[10]	Haque MJ, Das CK, Ara R, Alam MEU, Ullah SKRKMASSA, Hossain ZM. Prevalence of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and its effect on Daily Living in the Rural Community of Rajshahi. TAJ 2016; Volume 27(1).
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[12]	Mohammed HD, Sheikh TL, Bello F, Abubakar-Abdullateef A, Suleiman HM, Kakangi AS. Depression and Anxiety Disorders among Persons with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Tertiary Hospital in Zaria, Nigeria. West African journal of medicine. 2024 Sep 30; 41(9): 937-43.
[13]	Benmaamar S, Lazar N, El Harch I, Maiouak M, Qarmiche N, Otmani N, Salhi H, Tachfouti N, El Ouahabi H, El Fakir S. Depression and anxiety in patients with diabetes in a Moroccan region. Encephale. 2022 Dec; 48(6): 601-606. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.encep.2021.06.014 Epub 2021 Oct 13.
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APA Style

Esembeson, M., Endam, T. S., Nicholas, T. (2026). Mental Health Status and Associated Factors Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Cameroon. Central African Journal of Public Health, 12(2), 76-83. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cajph.20261202.13

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Esembeson, M.; Endam, T. S.; Nicholas, T. Mental Health Status and Associated Factors Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Cameroon. Cent. Afr. J. Public Health 2026, 12(2), 76-83. doi: 10.11648/j.cajph.20261202.13

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AMA Style

Esembeson M, Endam TS, Nicholas T. Mental Health Status and Associated Factors Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Cameroon. Cent Afr J Public Health. 2026;12(2):76-83. doi: 10.11648/j.cajph.20261202.13

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@article{10.11648/j.cajph.20261202.13,
  author = {Malika Esembeson and Tanyi Shelly Endam and Tendongfor Nicholas},
  title = {Mental Health Status and Associated Factors Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Cameroon},
  journal = {Central African Journal of Public Health},
  volume = {12},
  number = {2},
  pages = {76-83},
  doi = {10.11648/j.cajph.20261202.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cajph.20261202.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.cajph.20261202.13},
  abstract = {The rising burden of diabetes in developing countries is a call for concern. In Cameroon there is little data in Cameroon on the mental health status of people living with diabetes. This study assessed the mental health status (depression and anxiety) of people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) seeking treatment in the Buea Regional Hospital, Cameroon. The study was a hospital-based cross-sectional study, involving 230 type 2 diabetic patients seeking treatment in the Buea Regional hospital. Quantitative data on depression and anxiety was collected using standard questionnaires Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ9) and Generalize Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). The scores were used to determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety. A binary logistic regression was done to determine the factors independently associated with anxiety and depression among T2DM. A total of 230 participants were recruited into the study with more than half being female 164 (71.3%). The mean age of 56.8 ±12.37. The prevalence of anxiety and depression were (19.6%) and (30.0%) respectively. Anxiety was associated with the level of income (AOR= 9.28, 95%CI [1.07-80.37]) and the duration of the diseases (AOR= 6.64, 95%CI [2.34-18.91]). Likewise, depression was also associated with level of income (AOR= 4.50, 95%CI [1.13-18.00]) and the duration of the disease (AOR= 2.46, 95%CI [1.35-5.16]) Those with comorbidity (AOR= 2.26) were more likely to be depressed compared to those without co-morbidity. Those who did physical exercises were less likely to be depressed (AOR= 0.41) compared to those who didn’t do physical exercise. In conclusion, these findings provide context-specific evidence to guide interventions aimed at improving the psychosocial well-being of type 2 diabetic patients in Cameroon. We therefore recommend from the highlight of the study, the necessity to screen diabetic patients for mental health related issues and to incorporate mental health counselling in their hospital care.},
 year = {2026}
}

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SN  - 2575-5781
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cajph.20261202.13
AB  - The rising burden of diabetes in developing countries is a call for concern. In Cameroon there is little data in Cameroon on the mental health status of people living with diabetes. This study assessed the mental health status (depression and anxiety) of people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) seeking treatment in the Buea Regional Hospital, Cameroon. The study was a hospital-based cross-sectional study, involving 230 type 2 diabetic patients seeking treatment in the Buea Regional hospital. Quantitative data on depression and anxiety was collected using standard questionnaires Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ9) and Generalize Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). The scores were used to determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety. A binary logistic regression was done to determine the factors independently associated with anxiety and depression among T2DM. A total of 230 participants were recruited into the study with more than half being female 164 (71.3%). The mean age of 56.8 ±12.37. The prevalence of anxiety and depression were (19.6%) and (30.0%) respectively. Anxiety was associated with the level of income (AOR= 9.28, 95%CI [1.07-80.37]) and the duration of the diseases (AOR= 6.64, 95%CI [2.34-18.91]). Likewise, depression was also associated with level of income (AOR= 4.50, 95%CI [1.13-18.00]) and the duration of the disease (AOR= 2.46, 95%CI [1.35-5.16]) Those with comorbidity (AOR= 2.26) were more likely to be depressed compared to those without co-morbidity. Those who did physical exercises were less likely to be depressed (AOR= 0.41) compared to those who didn’t do physical exercise. In conclusion, these findings provide context-specific evidence to guide interventions aimed at improving the psychosocial well-being of type 2 diabetic patients in Cameroon. We therefore recommend from the highlight of the study, the necessity to screen diabetic patients for mental health related issues and to incorporate mental health counselling in their hospital care.
VL  - 12
IS  - 2
ER  -

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Malika Esembeson

Department of Public Health and Hygiene, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon;Regional Hospital Buea, Buea, Cameroon

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Tanyi Shelly Endam

Department of Nursing, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon

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Tendongfor Nicholas

Department of Public Health and Hygiene, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon

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Esembeson, M., Endam, T. S., Nicholas, T. (2026). Mental Health Status and Associated Factors Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Cameroon. Central African Journal of Public Health, 12(2), 76-83. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cajph.20261202.13

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ACS Style

Esembeson, M.; Endam, T. S.; Nicholas, T. Mental Health Status and Associated Factors Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Cameroon. Cent. Afr. J. Public Health 2026, 12(2), 76-83. doi: 10.11648/j.cajph.20261202.13

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AMA Style

Esembeson M, Endam TS, Nicholas T. Mental Health Status and Associated Factors Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Cameroon. Cent Afr J Public Health. 2026;12(2):76-83. doi: 10.11648/j.cajph.20261202.13

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@article{10.11648/j.cajph.20261202.13,
  author = {Malika Esembeson and Tanyi Shelly Endam and Tendongfor Nicholas},
  title = {Mental Health Status and Associated Factors Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Cameroon},
  journal = {Central African Journal of Public Health},
  volume = {12},
  number = {2},
  pages = {76-83},
  doi = {10.11648/j.cajph.20261202.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cajph.20261202.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.cajph.20261202.13},
  abstract = {The rising burden of diabetes in developing countries is a call for concern. In Cameroon there is little data in Cameroon on the mental health status of people living with diabetes. This study assessed the mental health status (depression and anxiety) of people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) seeking treatment in the Buea Regional Hospital, Cameroon. The study was a hospital-based cross-sectional study, involving 230 type 2 diabetic patients seeking treatment in the Buea Regional hospital. Quantitative data on depression and anxiety was collected using standard questionnaires Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ9) and Generalize Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). The scores were used to determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety. A binary logistic regression was done to determine the factors independently associated with anxiety and depression among T2DM. A total of 230 participants were recruited into the study with more than half being female 164 (71.3%). The mean age of 56.8 ±12.37. The prevalence of anxiety and depression were (19.6%) and (30.0%) respectively. Anxiety was associated with the level of income (AOR= 9.28, 95%CI [1.07-80.37]) and the duration of the diseases (AOR= 6.64, 95%CI [2.34-18.91]). Likewise, depression was also associated with level of income (AOR= 4.50, 95%CI [1.13-18.00]) and the duration of the disease (AOR= 2.46, 95%CI [1.35-5.16]) Those with comorbidity (AOR= 2.26) were more likely to be depressed compared to those without co-morbidity. Those who did physical exercises were less likely to be depressed (AOR= 0.41) compared to those who didn’t do physical exercise. In conclusion, these findings provide context-specific evidence to guide interventions aimed at improving the psychosocial well-being of type 2 diabetic patients in Cameroon. We therefore recommend from the highlight of the study, the necessity to screen diabetic patients for mental health related issues and to incorporate mental health counselling in their hospital care.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Mental Health Status and Associated Factors Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Cameroon
AU  - Malika Esembeson
AU  - Tanyi Shelly Endam
AU  - Tendongfor Nicholas
Y1  - 2026/03/17
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cajph.20261202.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.cajph.20261202.13
T2  - Central African Journal of Public Health
JF  - Central African Journal of Public Health
JO  - Central African Journal of Public Health
SP  - 76
EP  - 83
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-5781
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cajph.20261202.13
AB  - The rising burden of diabetes in developing countries is a call for concern. In Cameroon there is little data in Cameroon on the mental health status of people living with diabetes. This study assessed the mental health status (depression and anxiety) of people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) seeking treatment in the Buea Regional Hospital, Cameroon. The study was a hospital-based cross-sectional study, involving 230 type 2 diabetic patients seeking treatment in the Buea Regional hospital. Quantitative data on depression and anxiety was collected using standard questionnaires Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ9) and Generalize Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). The scores were used to determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety. A binary logistic regression was done to determine the factors independently associated with anxiety and depression among T2DM. A total of 230 participants were recruited into the study with more than half being female 164 (71.3%). The mean age of 56.8 ±12.37. The prevalence of anxiety and depression were (19.6%) and (30.0%) respectively. Anxiety was associated with the level of income (AOR= 9.28, 95%CI [1.07-80.37]) and the duration of the diseases (AOR= 6.64, 95%CI [2.34-18.91]). Likewise, depression was also associated with level of income (AOR= 4.50, 95%CI [1.13-18.00]) and the duration of the disease (AOR= 2.46, 95%CI [1.35-5.16]) Those with comorbidity (AOR= 2.26) were more likely to be depressed compared to those without co-morbidity. Those who did physical exercises were less likely to be depressed (AOR= 0.41) compared to those who didn’t do physical exercise. In conclusion, these findings provide context-specific evidence to guide interventions aimed at improving the psychosocial well-being of type 2 diabetic patients in Cameroon. We therefore recommend from the highlight of the study, the necessity to screen diabetic patients for mental health related issues and to incorporate mental health counselling in their hospital care.
VL  - 12
IS  - 2
ER  -

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