Comparison of depression, anxiety, stigma, stress, and quality of life in patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and pulmonary tuberculosis

ABSTRACT Background: Tuberculosis (TB) significantly impacts global health, especially in India. The link between TB and mental health issues is known but understudied. Depression and anxiety are more common among TB patients. To improve patient wellbeing and treatment outcomes, it is crucial to explore their psychological distress and integrate mental health services, enhance social support, and reduce stigma in TB care programs. Aim: To compare depression, anxiety, stigma, stress, and quality of life in patients of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and pulmonary TB (PTB). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary healthcare center among 50 PTB and 50 MDR-TB patients. Data were collected using Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-42 Items (DASS-42), TB-Related Stigma Scale, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Tuberculosis (FACIT-TB), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test – Concise (AUDIT-C), and Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R). Results: A total of 100 patients, of which the PTB group had 17 males (34%) and 33 females (66%) and MDR-TB had 19 males (38%) and 31 females (62%), were considered. It was observed that individuals with MDR-TB displayed significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as increased experiences of community stigma, alcohol consumption, and suicidal tendencies in comparison to individuals with PTB. There was a significant positive correlation between depression, anxiety, stress, and stigma. Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for integrated mental health services, enhanced social support, and targeted anti-stigma interventions in TB care programs to improve the overall well-being and treatment outcomes of TB patients.