ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION AMONG ASTHMATIC PATIENTS IN MALAYSIA

Patients with bronchial asthma are at risk of mental disorders, particularly anxiety and depression. This study aimed to explore the factors associated with anxiety and depression among asthmatic patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 202 confirmed asthmatic patients from the chest clinic at the Medical Outpatient Department (MOPD) in a Malaysian public hospital. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on the socio-demographic factors and clinical health information. The validated Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were used to assess anxiety and depression. Descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted using SPSS software version 18. Results: Moderate anxiety and depressions were found in 24.3% and 21.3% of the patients respectively. Severe anxiety and depression were found in 4.4% and 3.5% of the patients respectively. Factors associated significantly with anxiety were patient s age and newly referred cases. Factors associated significantly with depression were patient s age, race, monthly household income, and employment status. Conclusion: Socio-demographic factors are important correlates of anxiety and depression among asthmatic patients. Early recognition of anxiety and depression symptoms is necessary to promote patient s adherence and compliance to asthma control