Depression and Anxiety in Adult Cardiology Patients Consulting Through Telemedicine During the Covid-19 Pandemic Using the Validated Filipino Version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (Hads-P)

Background and Objectives: Depression and anxiety are common among patients with cardiovascular disease. With increased stress from the ongoing pandemic, it is important to evaluate these conditions. Hence, this study aimed to identify the prevalence of depression and anxiety among outpatient consults via telemedicine through the HADS-P questionnaire and to compare the clinical and socioeconomic profile of patients with HADS-P score of >/=11. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study including participants, outpatients in the cardiology clinic through an online survey regarding their socioeconomic demographic profile and the HADS-P questionnaire. Patients with scores of >/=11 for anxiety or depression were identified and the two groups were compared using a chi-square test analysis. Results: One hundred and twelve patients were recruited. Majority were females, with a partner, unemployed and living below the poverty line. The most common cardiovascular condition was ischemic heart disease and most patients were at least functional class II. The measured prevalence of probable anxiety and depression were 22% and 8%, respectively. A significant difference between the presence of both anxiety and depression was seen in participants with no partners; and for depression alone, in employed participants. Conclusion: Anxiety and depression are common in this sample population. HADS-P is a simple way of screening patients for these conditions so that holistic care may be instituted and appropriate referrals for psychological intervention may be done. Keywords: Anxiety, Depression, Telemedicine