PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION AMONG ASTHMATIC PATIENTS ADMITTED TO MEDICAL WARD DHQ TEACHING HOSPITAL BANNU

Introduction: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that significantly affects patients’ quality of life. Psychological comorbidities, particularly depression, are increasingly recognized as important factors influencing asthma outcomes. Objective: To determine the prevalence of depression among asthmatic patients admitted to the medical ward of DHQ Teaching Hospital Bannu. Materials and Method: The descriptive cross-sectional study selected was carried out from June 2024 and December 2024. The sample was collected with 150 adult asthmatic patients in a consecutive method. Depression was measured in terms of the PHQ-9 scale. Demographics, asthma control, and the rate of exacerbation data were attained through data collection and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: Depression was found in 60.7 percent of 150 patients. High levels of moderate to severe depression were found more commonly in patients who had poorly vice-controlled asthma with frequent exacerbations. Depressive symptoms were increased in female patients than in men. Conclusion: Depression is highly prevalent among asthmatic patients and is associated with poor asthma control. Routine mental health screening is recommended.