Prevalence of and associated factors for depression among men seeking fertility care services at Gadarif in Eastern Sudan: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Mental health disorders, including depression, pose a significant global health threat, particularly among specific populations, such as men with infertility. No published data on depression prevalence among men seeking fertility treatment in Sudan exist. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression and identify associated factors within this vulnerable population. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in Gadarif, Eastern Sudan. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, anthropometrics, and clinical history were collected using a questionnaire. Waist circumference (WC), weight, and height were measured using the standard methods. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using the formula: weight (kg) / height (m2). Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Multivariate binary analysis was performed. Results A total of 250 men seeking fertility care services were enrolled in this study; 210 (84.0%) had primary fertility, and 40 (16.0%) had secondary fertility. The median (interquartile range, IQR) values for age, BMI, and WC were 34.0 (30.0–40.0) years, 24.5 (22.2–26.5) kg/m2, and 94.0 (85.0–104) cm, respectively. The median (IQR) of the PHQ-9 score was 4 (2–6). Of the participants, 45 (18.0%) had depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 8). In the multivariate binary analysis, being a smoker was associated with depression (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 2.40, 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.20–4.79), and WC was inversely associated with depression (AOR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.94–0.99). Conclusion Depression is a prevalent issue among men seeking fertility care in Eastern Sudan. The positive association between smoking and depression highlights a modifiable risk factor. The inverse association between WC and depression warrants further investigation. These findings underscore the importance of integrating routine mental health screening and smoking cessation into fertility care services for men in similar settings.