Prevalence and Severity of Depression and Anxiety Among Patients with Chronic Medical Illnesses: A Cross-Sectional Study
Depression and Anxiety in Chronic Illness Patients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69750/dmls.03.04.0203Keywords:
Depression, Anxiety, Chronic Medical Illness, Psychological Distress, Comorbidity, Mental HealthAbstract
Background: Chronic medical illnesses are commonly associated with psychological disturbances that adversely affect treatment adherence, disease progression, and overall quality of life. Among the most common psychiatric disorders among patients with chronic medical conditions are depression and anxiety.
Objective: To identify the prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety in patients suffering from chronic medical illness in a tertiary care hospital.
Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Internal Medicine, Sheikh Zayed Medical College and Hospital from May 2024 to May 2025. The patients who had chronic medical illnesses like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic respiratory disease, and chronic liver disease were enrolled by non-probability consecutive sampling with a total of 130 patients. The level of depression and anxiety was measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). A structured questionnaire was used for the recording of the demographic and clinical parameters. Data were analysed using SPSS (version 26.0).
Results: The average age of the respondents was 51.6 ± 14.2 years. Male patients constituted 55.4% while females accounted for 44.6% of the study population. Depression was identified in 78 (60.0%) patients, whereas anxiety was observed in 91 (70.0%) participants. Moderate-to-severe depression was present in 44 (33.8%) patients, while moderate-to-severe anxiety was identified in 51 (39.2%) patients. Female gender, disease duration greater than five years, and presence of multiple comorbidities demonstrated a significant association with higher depression and anxiety scores (p<0.05). The patients with chronic kidney disease and ischemic heart disease had the highest psychological burden.
Conclusion: Patients with chronic medical conditions are very likely to experience depression and anxiety. Add routine psychological screening and provide integrated mental health care to the management of chronic diseases to enhance outcomes and quality of life.
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