Prevalence of anxiety and depression among in-patient and out-patient asthmatic patients in Jordan

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression among asthmatic patients and to single out the factors associated with anxiety and depression, including medication use. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Prince Hamzah Hospital, Amman, Jordan, between January 2021 and July 2022. The study utilized medical records of patients diagnosed with asthma, both inpatient and outpatient, while demographic and clinical data were retrospectively extracted from the Hakeem National E-Health Program- Jordan. Anxiety was assessed prospectively using the validated Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, while depression was assessed prospectively using the validated Patient Health Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, multiple variable logistic regression analyses and chi-square tests were performed by SPSS version 27, with statistical significance set at P ≤ .05. A total of 522 asthmatic patients were included in the study (66.3% males). Severe depression was observed in 61.2% of participants, while 53.6% experienced moderate anxiety. The mean depression score was 21.79 ± 6.32, while the mean anxiety score was 17.40 ± 5.20. Logistic regression analysis showed significant associations between severe anxiety and the use of SABA (Adjusted odds ratios [aOR] = 4.87, 95% CI: 2.86-8.32), inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting beta-agonist (ICS/LABA) combinations (aOR = 3.9, 95% CI: 1.65-9.20), long-acting muscarinic antagonists' medications (aOR = 6.02, 95% CI: 3.37-10.75), and triple therapy (ICS/LAMA/LABA) (aOR = 24.64, 95% CI: 6.80-89.24). Female patients demonstrated lower odds of severe depression compared with males (aOR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.10-0.76). Hypertension and diabetes were the most common comorbidities. Results show that among asthmatic patients, anxiety and depression are highly prevalent, highlighting the need for integrated physical and mental health management. Certain therapies for asthma were significantly associated with higher anxiety levels, suggesting that psychological assessment should be incorporated into routine asthma care to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.