Assessment of anxiety and depression symptoms severity among polish adult patients with cystic fibrosis: impact of selected sociodemographic and health variables.

BACKGROUND

Cystic fibrosis is a condition that can significantly impact patients, including their mental health. The objective of this study is to analyze the associations between selected sociodemographic and health factors with the severity of depression and generalized anxiety symptoms among Polish adult patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) tools. We examined whether PHQ-9 and GAD-7 results varied based on gender, marital status, comorbidities, and the use of CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) modulators. Additionally, correlation analysis assessed relationships between PHQ-9 and GAD-7 results and factors such as age, pain level, education, and place of residence.

RESULTS

The survey included 220 participants, with the majority being women (n = 130; 59.1 %). The findings indicate that gender influences the severity of generalized anxiety, with female patients exhibiting higher anxiety levels than males. Single individuals demonstrated significantly elevated levels of both generalized anxiety and depression compared to those in relationships. Age correlates with the severity of both depression and anxiety symptoms, indicating that older patients experience milder symptoms. There is also a correlation between perceived pain and the severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Comorbidities and the use of CFTR modulators did not affect the analyzed parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

It is important to implement early detection and treatment of anxiety and depression in cystic fibrosis patients. Attention should be particularly directed toward younger patients, those experiencing loneliness, and individuals reporting higher pain levels.