This study aims to identify factors associated with positive PHQ-9 screening scores in individuals with epilepsy and explore the risk factors for depression in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) patients with epilepsy.

• This retrospective chart review included 126 adult patients diagnosed with epilepsy at a private outpatient neurology clinic in Honolulu, Hawaii. Patients without a prior epilepsy diagnosis or screened before 2015 were excluded. The analysis encompassed demographic and clinical variables, such as seizure etiology, comorbidities, and medications. Statistical analysis compared control and test groups.

  
  
  
  

• The study identified 64 patients with positive PHQ-9 scores and 62 controls. Those with positive PHQ-9 scores were more likely to use nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, or controlled substances. Age, comorbidities, and mental health diagnoses correlated significantly with PHQ-9 scores. NHPI patients with positive PHQ-9 scores were more likely to have asthma, hypertension, and be overweight or obese. However, the frequency of depression diagnoses did not significantly differ between the groups.

  
  

This study confirmed the link between elevated depression scores and substance use, particularly nicotine, and identified age as a marginal factor. Patients with positive PHQ-9 scores were more likely to have other health problems and a diagnosis of depression. The study did not find a relationship between seizure etiology and depression risk but also did not replicate previous findings regarding depression risk and gender, unemployment, and polytherapy. The results provide valuable insights for healthcare providers.