Psychological distress and associated factors among asthmatic patients in Southern, Ethiopia, 2021

Glaucoma affected approximately 64.3 million people globally in 2013, with projections estimating an increase to 111.8 million by 2040. As a chronic, progressive eye disease with the potential to cause irreversible blindness, glaucoma necessitates lifelong management and follow-up. Like other chronic conditions, glaucoma can impose a significant psychological burden on patients, potentially leading to stress, anxiety, and depression. Understanding the mental health implications of glaucoma is essential for comprehensive patient care. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of psychological distress among individuals with glaucoma and to identify associated socio-demographic, clinical, and behavioral factors contributing to psychological distress in Gondar, Ethiopia. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August, 2022, at the Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center of the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. The sample size was determined using a single population proportion formula, and participants were selected through a systematic random sampling technique. Psychological distress was measured using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). To identify factors associated with psychological distress, both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Bivariate logistic regression was first used to assess the association between each independent variable and psychological distress. Variables with a p-value < 0.2 in the bivariate analysis were included in the multivariable model. In the multivariable analysis, a p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of the University of Gondar, and written informed consent was secured from all participants prior to data collection. A total of 422 glaucoma patients participated in the study, with a mean age of 59.77 ± 12.38 years. The overall prevalence of psychological distress was 27.0% (95% CI: 22.8%–31.5%). Psychological distress was significantly associated with being widowed (AOR = 3.06, 95% CI: 1.55–6.05), poor (AOR = 3.27, 95% CI: 1.54–6.92) or moderate social support (AOR = 3.42, 95% CI: 1.72–6.83), treatment duration longer than two years (AOR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.51–4.47), and current substance use (AOR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.19–4.01). The relatively high prevalence of psychological distress among glaucoma patients highlights the need to integrate routine mental health screening and psychosocial support into glaucoma care services, particularly for patients with prolonged treatment duration, poor social support, and substance use.

Prevalence and Determinants of Psychological Distress in Adolescent and Young Adult Patients with Cancer: A Multicenter Survey

Financial toxicity and psychological distress in adults with cancer: A treatment-based analysis

Recent literature shows a high prevalence of psychological distress in bronchial asthma. To find the extent of psychological distress and associated risk factors in bronchial asthma patients in Kuwait. Case-control study. In a study at Kuwait's allergy center, 102 patients aged 20-60 years with asthma (67%), asthma with allergic rhinitis (33%) completed a self-administered questionnaire (WHO-Five Well-being Index). A score below 13 was considered as psychological distress; and 13 and above, as normal. An equal number of controls, matched for age, gender, nationality, were also enrolled. The data were analyzed using SPSS software, and proportions were tested with Chi-square or Fisher's test. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to quantify the risk factors. A significantly large proportion (69%) of patients were found to be psychologically distressed, compared to 24% among controls (P<0.001, OR=7.5; 95% CI: 4-14). As many as 83.3% of cases, in the younger (20-30 years) age group, were distressed (P<0.044), compared to other age groups. A declining trend in proportion of distressed cases with increasing age was observed (P<0.013). A higher proportion of females (73.8%) and Kuwaitis (71.6%) with distress were observed, both among cases and controls. We found a high rate of poor well-being and psychological distress in patients suffering from asthma. Young patients and those with relatively short duration of illness, as well as asthmatic females, are more vulnerable to distress and need further psychological evaluation.

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Hence, CKD patients are often in chronic psychological distress. The objective of the study was to describe factors associated with psychological distress of CKD patients attending National Nephrology Unit. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 382 CKD patients above 18 years of age applying systematic sampling. The data was collected using self-administered questionnaires to assess the psychological distress (GHQ-12), social support (SSQ6), coping strategies (BRIEFCOPE), pain (0 to 10 numeric pain rating scale), and physical role limitation due to ill health (SF36QOL). Sociodemographic and disease-related data were collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire and a data extraction sheet. Multiple logistic regression was applied for determining the associated factors. The results were expressed as adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results Percentage of psychological distress was 55.2% (95% CI: 48.4% to 62%). Poor social support (AOR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.14–2.88), low satisfaction with the social support received (AOR = 4.14, 95% CI: 1.59–10.78), stages IV and V of CKD (AOR = 2.67, 95% CI: 1.65–4.20), presence of comorbidities (AOR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.21–4.67), within one year of diagnosis (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.36–3.67), low monthly income (AOR = 2.26, CI: 1.26–4.06), higher out-of-pocket expenditure per month (AOR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.75–1.99), and being a female (AOR = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.79–4.9) were significantly associated with psychological distress. Conclusions More than half of the CKD patients were psychologically distressed. Factors such as financial and social support will be worth considering early because of their modifiability.

Aim: Feeling distressed is often a normal reaction to the diagnosis of cancer and cancer treatment. However, if excessive, distress may lead to more disabling conditions such as depression and anxiety. The aims of the study were to determine the prevalence and level of distress in patients with cancer who were undergoing chemotherapy and to examine the associated factors related to psychological distress in these patients.Methods: Adult patients with confirmed cancer who were undergoing out‐patient chemotherapy at the Clinical Oncology Unit, Universiti Malaya Medical Centre were invited to participate in the study. They were assessed on their sociodemographic profiles, clinical history, distress level as measured using the ‘Distress Thermometer’, and problems checklist on practical, family, emotional and physical symptoms. The Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) was used by patients to report anxiety and depression.Results: One hundred and sixty‐eight patients with mean age of 50 years participated in the study. The prevalence of psychological distress determined by the ‘Distress Thermometer’ was 51%. HADS found the prevalence of depression/anxiety to be 32%. There was no significant association between distress and the primary site of cancer, the phase of chemotherapy and the sociodemographic profiles except for age (r = −0.21, P = 0.007). Distress was significantly associated with practical, family and emotional problems. Some of the physical problems such as appearance, breathing, changes in urination, constipation, eating, fatigue, getting around, memory/concentration, nausea, pain and sleep were also significantly associated with distress.Conclusion: Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy experienced high level of distress. This finding should alert oncologists that some patients exhibiting these signs of distress may need referral to the mental health team.

Chronic skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, are known to affect quality of life by heightening psychological distress. Knowledge about factors contributing to psychological distress is essential for supporting physicians in diagnostic and multidisciplinary treatment options for patients psychologically at risk. To examine whether generic physical, psychological and social factors relevant to patients with chronic diseases might contribute to psychological distress in adults with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Self-report data on clinical skin status, physical symptoms of itching and fatigue, impact of the disease on daily life, illness cognitions and social support were collected from 128 patients with psoriasis and 120 patients with atopic dermatitis (aged over 16 years). For patients with either skin disease, clinical status and physical symptoms of itching scarcely affected psychological distress. Instead, higher levels of fatigue, perceived helplessness and less social support best predicted psychological distress in patients with both skin diseases in multiple regression analyses. Results demonstrate that generic physical, psychological and social aspects play a role in chronic skin diseases and suggest that multidisciplinary care for patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis can be greatly improved by integrating common screening and treatment components for chronic diseases.

Mothers who have endured psychological distress during pregnancy are more likely to have cognitive and behavioral issues for their baby, and are at greater risk for subsequent mental health problems for themselves. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of psychological distress during pregnancy in women attending antenatal clinics in Addis Ababa public hospitals and to find out if there are any associated factors. Hospital based cross sectional study was employed from May 7 to June 6, 2019 at public hospitals. A total of 810 pregnant women participated in the study selected through systematic random sampling technique. Kessler psychological distress Scale (K10) was used to measure psychological distress during pregnancy. Frequency tables and graphs were used to describe the study variable. The association between variables analyzed with bi-variable and multivariable binary logistic regression. A statistical significance was declared at p value < 0.05 with 95% confidence interval. A total of 810 participants were included in the study with the response rate of 92%. The Prevalence of psychological distress among pregnant women was found to be 174(21.5%) with (95% CI, 18.6, 24.6). decreasing age [AOR = 3.61, 95%CI, 1.00, 13.01], no formal education [AOR = 3.57, 95%CI, 2.06, 6.19], having an abortion history [AOR = 2.23, 95%CI, 1.29, 3.87], having intimate partner violence [AOR = 4.06, 95%CI, 2.37, 6.94] and poor social support[AOR = 3.33, 95%CI, 1.95, 5.70] were statistically associated with psychological distress during pregnancy. This research found high prevalence of psychological distress during pregnancy compared with majorities of preceding studies. In this study we identified factors that are associated with psychological distress in pregnancy. This includes, decreasing age, no formal education, having an abortion history, having intimate partner violence and poor social support. Psychological distress screening and potential risk factors for mental illness evaluations should be carried out during pregnancy for early diagnosis and intervention.

Psychological distress in cancer survivors can be detrimental to treatment adherence and self-care tasks and is associated with poor health behaviors and decreased overall quality of life. The prevalence, course, and predictors of psychological distress after the diagnosis of colorectal cancer are to date not well described. A prospective survey of 1822 colorectal cancer patients was undertaken assessing psychological distress and hypothesized predictors including optimism, cancer threat appraisal, social support, and physical activity at 6 and 12 months postdiagnosis. Logistic regression identified correlates of psychological distress at 12 months postdiagnosis. The prevalence of global psychological distress was low: 8.3% and 6.7% at 6 and 12 months postdiagnosis, respectively. When baseline measures of independent variables were included in a logistic regression model, distress at 6 months postdiagnosis (odds ratio [OR]=10.84), comorbidities (OR=1.64), optimism (OR=0.93), cancer threat appraisal (OR=0.92), and social support (OR=0.94) were significantly associated with distress at 12 months postdiagnosis. A second logistic regression model that included concurrent measures of cancer threat appraisal, social support, and physical activity found that distress at 6 months postdiagnosis (OR=12.49), comorbidities (OR=1.64), optimism (OR=0.94), and concurrent cancer threat appraisal (OR=0.85) were significantly associated with distress at 12 months postdiagnosis. Distress screening at regular intervals is needed to efficiently detect colorectal cancer patients who require in-depth psychological intervention. Threat appraisal is a modifiable variable that should be included in interventions for colorectal cancer survivors. Further research is needed to investigate the potential for physical activity to reduce distress after cancer.

BackgroundPsychological distress including depression and anxiety are among the most serious causes of morbidity and mortality in Bangladesh. There has been no study in the rural area to report the prevalence of and risk factors for psychological distress. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of and risk factors for psychological distress in a rural district in Bangladesh.MethodsA total of 2425 adults (1249 women) aged 18–90 years were selected from the Narail upazilla using multi-level cluster random sampling for a cross-sectional study. Psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler 10 items questionnaire. Participants’ socio-demographic status, life style factors and health conditions were also collected. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for binary outcomes and mean changes for continuous outcomes of psychological distress score were computed. Logistic regression and generalized linear model techniques were used for analytical purpose.ResultsThe overall prevalence of psychological distress was 52.5%. This proportion included 22.7% people rated as having mild psychological distress, 20.8% moderate and 9.0% severe. The prevalence of moderate (24.7% vs. 17.5%, p<0.001) and severe (16.2% vs. 2.5%, p<0.001) psychological distress was significantly higher in older adults of age 60–90 years than that in younger adults of age 18–59 years. The prevalence of severe psychological distress was higher in females than males and the difference increased with age (vs. (females vs males: 1.9% vs. 1.1% at age of <30 years, 12.2% vs. 10.1% at age between 60–69 years, and 45.5% vs. 25.4% at age of 80 years or older). After multivariate adjustment, compared to degree or equivalent level of education, no education (odds ratio (OR), 1.71, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03–2.82) was associated with higher prevalence of any psychological distress in the total sample. Compared to married, psychological distress among widowed older adults was almost five times higher prevalence (OR, 4.89, 95% CI, 2.51–9.55). Socio-economic status showed a U-shaped relationship with the prevalence of psychological distress; being very poor or wealthy was associated with higher prevalence of psychological distress compared to those of moderate socio-economic status. People living in pourashava (semi-urban areas) reported significantly higher prevalence of psychological distress compared to people living in typical rural unions.ConclusionsIn this rural Bangladeshi community, the prevalence of psychological distress was high, especially among older women. Factors including lower level of education, inability to work, and living in semi-urban areas were associated with higher prevalence of psychological distress. Public health programmes should target people in high risk groups to reduce their psychological distress in Bangladesh.

This cross-sectional analysis of the Australian 3D study aimed to determine the prevalence of psychological distress and describe its associated characteristics in adults recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Adults (aged 18 years and over) who were recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (<6 months prior) were recruited through the Australian National Diabetes Services Scheme in 2018-2019. Demographic and health data were collected via interview-administered telephone surveys. Hierarchical regression was used to analyse whether demographic, self-care and clinical characteristics were associated with psychological distress, as measured by the K10 questionnaire. Of the participants (n = 223), 26.3% presented with psychological distress, with 8.4% reporting mild, 8.4% reporting moderate and 9.5% reporting severe psychological distress. Neither age, sex, body mass index or taking anti-depressant medications were associated with the presence of psychological distress (p > .05). Being a smoker, living situation, less physical activity and poorer healthy eating beliefs and intentions were significantly associated with psychological distress in those not taking anti-depressant medications (p < .05). Being female was significantly associated with psychological distress in those taking anti-depressant medications (p < .05). The study found that psychological distress is highly prevalent in adults recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Behavioural factors such as smoking and low physical activity, as well as psycho-social factors such as living situation, poor healthy eating beliefs and intentions were significantly associated with psychological distress. This has implications for the management of people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. SO WHAT?: Psychological distress is highly prevalent in Australian adults newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, emphasising the urgent need for enhanced psychological care to support this group.

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients may be at high risk of experiencing psychological distress because their diagnosis came during a key time of consolidation of identity and social growth. This study aimed (1) to examine the prevalence of psychological distress among AYA cancer patients within a year of diagnosis to long-term survivors and (2) to describe socio-demographic and cancer-related characteristics associated with psychological distress. In a cross-sectional web-based survey, patients who scored 5 or more on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale were assessed for significant psychological distress. Logistic regression examined whether demographics, clinical variables, and social support were associated with psychological distress. A total of 206 young adult cancer patients participated. The median age at the survey was 34.5 years (range: 22-39 years), and 87.4% were female. The prevalence of psychological distress was 55.3%. Psychological distress among patients diagnosed within a year and long-term survivors (≥10 years since diagnosis) was significantly higher than patients 1-4 years since diagnosis. Pain, decrease in income after a cancer diagnosis, experience of negative change in work/school after a cancer diagnosis and poor social support were significantly associated with psychological distress. Over half of young adult patients had significant psychological distress in Japan. Our findings potentially contribute to the intervention components for distress management among AYA cancer survivors.

Schizotypy refers to a personality type characterized by behavioral and cognitive abnormalities similar in nature but less severe than those of schizophrenia. Schizotypy often progresses to schizophrenia, so identifying risk factors may facilitate early schizophrenia diagnosis and improve treatment. Psychological distress may be associated with schizotypy, highlighting its importance. However, the link between psychological distress and schizotypy remains unclear. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between schizotypy and psychological distress in a Japanese adult population using internet-based questionnaires. Schizotypy was assessed using the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire-Brief and psychological distress was measured using the Kessler Screening Scale for Psychological Distress. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between psychological distress and schizotypy after adjusting for numerous potential confounding variables. Among 6632 participants, 225 were classified with schizotypy (3.39%, 89 females [39.6%]). Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusting for confounding factors revealed that participants with psychological distress were significantly more likely to exhibit signs of schizotypy than those without psychological distress (adjusted odd ratio, 2.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.85-4.59). The emergence of schizotypy in adults is strongly associated with psychological distress. This finding emphasizes the need for physicians to carefully, thoroughly, and routinely assess psychological distress in adults. Longitudinal studies are warranted to investigate the causal relationship between schizotypy and psychological distress.

Background: Psychological discomfort is a state of emotional distress caused by everyday stressors and obligations that are difficult to manage. It’s one of the most common mental health problems on the planet. The physical status of a person has an impact on his or her psychological well-being, and if not handled well, it will eventually have an impact on his or her well-being. Orthopedic trauma has a wide range of effects on survivors’ physical health, as well as a variety of mental health concerns that impede recovery. Psychiatric problems and behavioral abnormalities are 3-5 times more common in people who have been harmed, and they are a predictor of poor outcomes. It is crucial to begin further therapies as soon as possible. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken at Dilla University Referral Hospital on an institutional basis. The data was collected via a face-to-face interview and the Kessler psychological distress scale (K-10) was used to assess psychological distress. A total of 366 people were chosen using simple random selection. SPSS21 was used to enter and evaluate the data. To find related factors, bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used. Variables having a p-value of less than 0.05 were deemed statistically significant. Result: Out of all respondents, 114 (31.4%) of the individuals have experienced psychological anguish. Independent variables such as being female (adjusted odds ratio (AOR=5.8, 95 percent CI (3.5-11.1), being under 27 years old (AOR=2.34, 95 percent CI (1.89-3.68), being unable to read and write educational status, married (adjusted odds ratio (AOR=2.67(1.24-5.34), poor social support (AOR=1.4, 95 percent CI (1.21-2.89), and poor sleep quality (AOR=1.5, 95 percent). Conclusion: The prevalence of psychological distress was high. Being female, having poor social support, and having a high PSQI score were significantly associated factors with psychological distress. It is good if clinicians emphasize orthopedic patients especially females and those having poor social support and low sleep quality symptoms.

BackgroundInternally displaced individuals often face significant psychological distress, which manifests as an emotional disturbance that includes symptoms of depression and anxiety, sometimes accompanied by physical symptoms. To date, there is a lack of published research on the prevalence and contributing factors of psychological distress among internally displaced persons in Africa, including Ethiopia, and recent international data is limited. This study aims to address this research gap.ObjectiveThis study seeks to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors of psychological distress among internally displaced persons in Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia, for the years 2023/24.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out with 422 participants selected through systematic random sampling. A lottery method was employed to choose 6 out of 19 sites. Psychological distress was assessed using a self-reporting questionnaire, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Bivariate binary logistic regression was performed, with variables having a p-value < 0.25 included in a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Statistical significance was determined at a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a p-value of < 0.05.ResultsA total of 422 individuals were interviewed, achieving a response rate of 100%. The estimated prevalence of psychological distress was 70.9% (95% CI 66.6 to 74.9). Factors significantly associated with psychological distress included age (41–50 years, AOR = 2.15; 95% CI 1.04, 4.49; ≥ 50 years, AOR = 2.77; 95% CI 1.08, 7.13), being female (AOR = 2.78; 95% CI 1.52, 5.09), exposure to three or more traumatic events (AOR = 3.19; 95% CI 1.58, 6.46), poor social support (AOR = 2.52; 95% CI 1.23, 5.18), and chronic medical illness (AOR = 2.55; 95% CI 1.22, 5.33).Conclusion and recommendationThe study found a high prevalence of psychological distress at 70.9%. Factors such as age, gender, number of traumatic events, poor social support, and chronic illness were significantly linked to psychological distress. Enhancing mental health services and social support systems is crucial for reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with mental health disorders in this population.