HIGH PERCEIVED STRESS AND ITS IMPACT ON ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC DISEASE

Nazish Fathima*, Swathi M, Manjusha S, Isatrin J. Vadakkiniath, Gururaj A, Sinchana Bojamma P. K

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression among patients with chronic diseases and explore the relationship between high perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in this population. Methods: The study involved 323 patients with chronic diseases at a teaching hospital. Demographics were collected using a self-designed questionnaire. Stress, anxiety, and depression were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Quality of life (QOL) was assessed with the Short Form 12 (SF-12) questionnaire. Pearson correlation and Chi-square tests analyzed the associations and correlations between high perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Results: This study found high rates of stress (68.8%), anxiety (51.2%), and depression (58.9%) in patients with chronic diseases. Positive correlations were observed between stress and anxiety (+0.7) and stress and depression (+0.738). A significant association was found among high perceived stress, anxiety, and depression (p < 0.001). Moreover, a negative correlation (-0.509, -0.506) was found between stress and quality of life. These findings highlight the role of high perceived stress as a risk factor for anxiety, depression, and lower quality of life in patients with chronic diseases. Conclusion: This study highlights high rates of stress, anxiety, and depression in patients with chronic diseases. The correlations suggest that high perceived stress is associated with anxiety, depression, and lower quality of life. Early identification and effective stress management are vital for improving well-being and quality of life in these patients.

Keywords: Chronic diseases, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Quality of life.