Psychological distress among people living with chronic medical illness and the general population, Northwest Ethiopia: A comparative cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Psychological distress is often linked to and negatively affects the outcomes of chronic medical conditions; however, data on psychological distress and its predictors among individuals with chronic medical illnesses are scarce in developing countries like Ethiopia. The main objective of this study was to assess the magnitude and predictors of psychological distress among people living with chronic medical illness and the general population. Methods A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Mecha demographic research center, Northwest Ethiopia. The participants were selected from the general population and outpatient departments. Kessler-10 (K-10) was used to assess psychological distress. Result The magnitude of psychological distress among people living with chronic medical illness and those from the general population was 62.0% and 35.1%, respectively. The odds of psychological distress in people living with chronic medical illness was three times more than the one in the general population. Divorced marital status, family history of chronic medical illness, and low social support were statistically significantly associated with psychological distress in both groups. Conclusion The magnitude of psychological distress was significantly higher among people living with chronic medical illness. Routine screening of such cases for psychological distress during their visits for their medical illness helps take appropriate therapeutic interventions.

Insomnia and common mental disorder among patients with pre-existing chronic non-communicable diseases in southern Ethiopia: a survey during COVID-19 pandemic

“…However, lower prevalence were reported in Ethiopia (22.8%) ( 61 ), and India (33.2%) ( 62 ). A similar study conducted in Bangladesh found a low prevalence of anxiety (35.2%) and depression (38.9%) ( 60 ). On the other hand, higher prevalence were also reported in studies conducted in Harar (62%) ( 60 ), and Mettu Karl Referral Hospital 55.7% (depression) and 61.8% (anxiety) ( 59 ).…”

“…A similar study conducted in Bangladesh found a low prevalence of anxiety (35.2%) and depression (38.9%) ( 60 ). On the other hand, higher prevalence were also reported in studies conducted in Harar (62%) ( 60 ), and Mettu Karl Referral Hospital 55.7% (depression) and 61.8% (anxiety) ( 59 ). Moreover, other pre-COVID-19 researches indicated higher estimates of mental health problems in different parts of the world such as 63.3% in Ethiopia ( 63 ), 60.2% in Pakistan ( 64 ), 64.4% in Nigeria ( 65 ), and (58.7%) in Delhi, India ( 66 ).…”

“…People suffering from a significant mental illness are more likely to develop a variety of chronic physical illnesses. People with chronic medical illnesses, on the other hand, more likely to experience psychological problems than the general population ( 60 ). For instance, compliance with chronic medication use and regular use of the healthcare system may be challenging during infectious disease outbreaks, adding to psychological distress.…”

A bibliometric study of worldwide scientific literature on somatopsychics (1913‒2022)

“…As for somatopsychic disorders, the mechanism is thought to be immune-mediated, though little is still understood (22,23). This knowledge gap necessitates further studies to be conducted as the list of somatopsychic disorders continues to expand with our scientific understanding (7,24).…”