Prevalence And Clinical Correlates Of Anxiety And Depression Among Patients With Chronic Medical Illnesses: A Cross-Sectional Study In A Care Hospital In South India.
Keywords:
Anxiety, depression, chronic illness, HADS, South India, prevalence, non-communicable diseases.Abstract
Background: Anxiety and depression are highly prevalent among patients with chronic medical illnesses, yet they remain under-recognised and undertreated in routine clinical settings. In India, where non-communicable diseases constitute a growing public health burden, the intersection of physical and mental health remains inadequately explored, particularly in South Indian hospital populations. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over eight months (June 2025–January 2026) in the inpatient and outpatient departments of a care hospital in South India. A total of 50 adult patients with chronic medical illnesses including type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease were recruited through consecutive sampling. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using a structured proforma. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression were performed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: The mean age of participants was 54.2 ± 12.7 years; 58% were male. The prevalence of anxiety (HADS-A ≥ 8) was 42% (n = 21), and depression (HADS-D ≥ 8) was 38% (n = 19). Comorbid anxiety and depression were present in 28% (n = 14). Female gender (p = 0.032), low socioeconomic status (p = 0.018), longer illness duration (>5 years; p = 0.041), and presence of two or more chronic conditions (p = 0.009) were significantly associated with anxiety and/or depression. Conclusion: Anxiety and depression are highly prevalent among patients with chronic medical illnesses in South India, with significant associations with female gender, low socioeconomic status, longer illness duration, and multimorbidity. Routine screening for psychological distress should be integrated into chronic disease management protocols.
