The Relationship between Depressive Symptoms, Anxiety and Sociodemographic Characteristics in Individuals with Chronic Diseases

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to reveal the relationship between depressive symptoms, anxiety level and socio-demographic characteristics of individuals with chronic diseases. Methods: The study sample consisted of 149 individuals over the age of 18 who agreed to participate in the study and had a chronic disease. Each of the participants completed a questionnaire that revealed their socio-demographic characteristics, a Beck Depression Inventory and a Generalized Anxiety Inventory-7. Results: The participants’ mean BDI score was 14.56±10.08 and the average score of GAD-7 test was 7.40±5.57. 34% of the patients are at risk of moderate and 8.7% at risk of severe depression. 22.8% of individuals are under high and 11.4% under serious anxiety threat. Average total scores of depression and anxiety scales are significantly higher in those with lower incomes than normal or higher incomes and in singles when compared to married people. In addition, the GAD-7 test scale mean score of those who did not comply with the treatment was higher. In addition, a positive linear relationship was found between BDI and GAD-7. Conclusions: Depression and anxiety levels are significantly higher in patients with chronic disease. It is recommended that, individuals at risk among those with chronic diseases should be identified and supported psycho-socially.