The network structure of depressive symptomatology in Peruvian adults with arterial hypertension.

Background: Global arterial hypertension (HTA) has increased by 90% over the last four decades, and has increased by 1.6% in Peru over the previous four years. This study involved a network analysis of depressive symptomatology in Peruvian patients with HTA using network estimation. Method: A representative cross-sectional study at the national level, using secondary data from 2019 Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES) was performed. The sample used included men and women of age over 17 years diagnosed with HTA and were able to respond to Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Results: The symptoms of depressive mood (bridging force and centrality) and energy fatigue or loss (bridge centrality) play an essential role in the network structure, as does the feeling of uselessness in terms of closeness and intermediation. Conclusion: The study highlighted the symptoms related to depressive mood and energy fatigue or loss as bridging symptoms, which could trigger a depressive episode in patients diagnosed with HTA.