Prevalence and Determinants of Depression Among Epilepsy Patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2024

Background: Depression is a common and serious psychiatric comorbidity among individuals living with epilepsy. It is associated with poor treatment outcomes, reduced quality of life, and increased disability. Despite this, depression in people with epilepsy often remains unrecognized, particularly in low-resource settings. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression and identify its associated factors among patients with epilepsy in public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods : An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 1 to 30, 2024, involving 591 individuals with epilepsy attending follow-up clinics at Eka Kotebe General Hospital, St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, and Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize sociodemographic and clinical data. Binary logistic regression analysis was applied to identify independent factors associated with depression. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported, and statistical significance was determined at a p-value of ≤ 0.05. Model fitness was evaluated using the Hosmer–Lemeshow test. Results : The prevalence of depression among people with epilepsy was found to be 42.6%. Depression was significantly associated with urban residence (AOR = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.17–0.39), increased seizure frequency per month (AOR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.23–4.10), frequency of medication use (AOR = 1.98; 95% CI: 1.19–3.28), and lower levels of social support (AOR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.21–0.52 for moderate support, and AOR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.28–0.77 for strong support). Conclusion : Depression is highly prevalent among individuals with epilepsy in Addis Ababa. Patients experiencing frequent seizures, increased medication burden, and limited social support are at significantly higher risk. These findings underscore the urgent need to integrate routine depression screening and mental health support into epilepsy care services in Ethiopia.