Anxiety and depression in patients of pulmonary tuberculosis with and without endobronchial tuberculosis

Abstract

Background and objective: Anxiety/depression and tuberculosis are global public health problems. The incidence of psychiatric morbidities is high among tuberculosis patients. However, little is known about the prevalence of anxiety and depression among Chinese pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients, especially for endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB). The present study is aimed to determine the prevalence and the associated factors of depression and anxiety among PTB patients with and without EBTB. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire in PTB patients from three hospitals in Liaoning, China. Depression and anxiety were evaluated by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Results: In 1252 patients, 17.73% and 18.13% of PTB patients had depression and anxiety, according to HADS and PHQ-9. Dyspnea and EBTB were significantly associated with depression. Other depression-related factors included age, divorce, abnormal BMI, and low incomes. Lower incomes, symptom of dyspnea, or combination of ≥3 clinical symptoms were at high risk for anxiety, while occasional or frequent alcohol consumption was at a reduced risk of anxiety. Conclusion: Depression and anxiety are common among PTB patients, especially for EBTB. Screening for depression and anxiety among such patients is essential for identifying people requiring further psychosocial assessment and support.