Comparison of Prevalence and Severity of Anxiety and Depression Among Patients with Bronchial Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and Tuberculosis

Abstract

Background: Respiratory diseases such as bronchial asthma (BA), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and tuberculosis (TB) have significant physical and psychological impacts. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities among these patients, but in Pakistan their prevalence and associated risk factors remain still underexplored. Objective: To compare the prevalence and severity of anxiety and depression among patients with bronchial asthma, COPD, and Tuberculosis at Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. Methodology: The present cross-sectional study was included a total of 300 patients, out of which 100 patients with bronchial asthma, 100 with COPD, and 100 with TB. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scale was used to assessed the level of anxiety and depression. Chi-square test was used for data like demographic, clinical history, and risk factors for disease whereas as for finding any association for mental health issues, ANOVA, and logistic regression models was used. Results: Results showed that prevalence of Anxiety was 30% in asthma, 38% in COPD, and 50% in TB patients. Depression prevalence: 25% in BA, 45% in COPD, and 58% in TB patients (p < 0.001). Risk factors for anxiety and depression was older age (>50 years), smoking history, hospitalization, and TB or COPD diagnosis significantly increased psychological distress (p < 0.05). TB patients had the highest mean anxiety (12.1 ± 5.3) and depression scores (13.2 ± 5.7), indicating a severe mental health burden. Conclusion: Patients with COPD and TB are at a significantly higher risk of anxiety and depression compared to those with asthma. Routine mental health screening and psychosocial support interventions should be integrated into the management of chronic respiratory diseases to improve patient well-being and treatment adherence.