Exploring the psychological impact of anxiety, depression, and quality of life in patients with comorbid disease conditions post COVID-19 pandemic era

Background

Chronic diseases and comorbidity are important predictors of depression and anxiety, the two most common disorders of poor mental health. Meanwhile, the pandemic increases anxiety and depression levels, alongside declined quality of life (QoL), the same way that comorbidities are associated with severity of COVID-19 progression. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression, as well as the QoL among patients with chronic medical conditions in Amman, Jordan, in the post-pandemic period.

Methods

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with comorbidities using a validated questionnaire consisting of 3 parts. Anxiety and depression prevalence were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), while the QoL in terms of physical, psychological, social, emotional, and general mental health was evaluated using the SF-36 QoL questionnaire.

Results

A total of 150 participants (mean age = 55 ± 13 years) were enrolled in the study. Most participants reported a significantly elevated level of borderline abnormal or mild anxiety (44%, P < .0001). The QoL scores indicated relatively poor well-being, particularly in the physical role (29.2 ± 45.5) and emotional role (26.2 ± 4.0) domains (P < .05). Statistical significance was observed between HADS anxiety or depression scores and variables, such as age, education level, and comorbidities.

Conclusion

This study's findings provide insights into the adverse psychiatric consequences, high prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms, and reduced quality of life among patients with comorbid conditions post-COVID-19 pandemic.