MAGINITUDE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF DEPRESSION AMONG HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS ATTENDING TREATMENT FOLLOW UP IN CHRONIC OPD AT HAWASSA UNIVERSITY COMPREHENSIVE SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL, HAWASSA, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and factors associated with depression among Hypertensive patients attending treatment follow up in chronic OPD at Hawassa University comprehensive Specialized Hospital (HUCSH) from March to May, 2019. Result: The magnitudes of depression among Hypertension (HPN) patients were found to be 73 (24.7%). The independent predictors were Sex 2.6(1.16, 5.83), Age 11.2(2.98, 42), educational status, Social support 2.55 (1.09, 5.94), family history of depression 7.12(1.48, 34.26), hypertension 7.57(2.67, 21.44) and medication adherence 11.6(4.23, 31.78). So, continuous health information dissemination at different level regard to factors affecting them should be given. Strengthen a referral linkage with psychiatric unit for psycho behavioral therapy will bring good clinical outcome. Besides, controlling hypertension was crucial to bring good clinical outcome. Key words: depression, magnitude, associate factor, patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9).