Self-Reported Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Among Patients with Rheumatic Diseases Reported at Rheumatology Centres: A Study of Prevalence and Correlation

Abstract

Background: The intersection of rheumatic diseases with psychological factors such as stress, resilience, and social support plays a crucial role in shaping the quality of life for patients. Understanding these dynamics is essential for developing holistic care strategies that address both the physical and psychological aspects of arthritis. Objective: This study aims to explore the prevalence of stress, resilience, and social support among patients with arthritis and examine their correlation with life satisfaction. Methods: A total of 58 male and female arthritis patients aged 18 to 90 were selected from three hospitals in Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan, using a stratified random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse socio-demographic variables. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Life Satisfaction Scale (LSS), Resilience Scale (RS), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) assessed psychological factors. Pearson correlation, t-tests, and regression analyses were conducted using SPSS version 25 to explore relationships among variables and the mediation effect of resilience between stress, social support, and life satisfaction. Results: The mean scores for perceived stress (M = 23.31, SD = 5.67), life satisfaction (M = 43.60, SD = 8.28), resilience (M = 74.15, SD = 11.42), and social support (M = 46.32, SD = 18.69) were calculated. Gender differences were non-significant for stress and resilience. Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between perceived stress and life satisfaction (r = -.339, p < .01), while resilience showed a strong positive correlation with social support (r = .621, p < .01). Regression analysis highlighted that resilience did not significantly mediate the relationship between perceived stress and life satisfaction (ΔR² = .02), nor between social support and life satisfaction (ΔR² = .006). Conclusion: The study underscores the profound impact of psychological factors on the quality of life in arthritis patients. While stress negatively affects life satisfaction, resilience and social support emerge as crucial for enhancing well-being. These findings advocate for integrated psychological interventions in arthritis management to improve patient outcomes.