Screening of depression and anxiety in cystic fibrosis
patients/caregivers and evaluation of risk factors
Abstract
Background: Depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with cystic
fibrosis (CF) and their caregivers are 2-3 times higher than in the
normal population. This study aims to evaluate the frequency and
severity of depression and anxiety symptoms and to determine possible
risk factors in CF patients and their mother and/or fathers at Marmara
University CF center. Methods: The study included 132 CF patients who
were followed up at our CF center. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)
and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7) were used to
screen depression and anxiety. The questionnaires were completed by 50
CF patients (aged 12 - 17 years) and 132 parents of patients (aged 0-17
years). Results: While moderate to severe depression were seen in 25.5%
of patients, 33.7% of mothers and 14.6% of fathers; moderate to severe
anxiety were present in 17.6%, 21.8% and 8.5%, respectively. None of
the demographic characteristics was identified as a predictor of
depression or anxiety. GAD-7 scores have shown a higher incidence of
anxiety in mothers of patients with chronic methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus Aureus (p = 0.034). Additionally, hospitalization in the
last 12 months was statistically significantly higher in PHQ-9 scores of
fathers (p = 0.043). Analysis of patients’ adherence to medical
treatment and airway clearance showed higher depression and anxiety in
mothers of the non-adherent group (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Depression
and anxiety were common in CF patients and their parents. These results
illustrate the importance of depression/anxiety screening and
psychosocial support for the CF patient and their parents.