Depressive Illness among Chronic Liver Disease Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVES This study investigated the association between chronic liver disease and major depressive disorder (MDD) in Pakistani adults. The prevalence of MDD among chronically ill patients admitted to a medical unit was examined, focusing on the impact of age, income, education level, and comorbidities on depression severity. METHODOLOGY A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted over two months at the Khyber Teaching Hospital in Peshawar. A total of 410 patients with chronic liver disease were included. Depression severity was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, utilizing statistical tests such as Pearson correlation, ANOVA. and chi-square. RESULTS The study investigated depression severity among 410 patients with chronic liver disease, focusing on demographic characteristics and comorbidities. The mean age of participants was 54.244 years, with a moderate level of depressive symptoms indicated by a mean PHQ-9 score of 10. Income showed a weak but significant negative correlation with depression severity (-0.138, p = 0.005), while age did not show a significant correlation (-0.053, p = 0.288). CONCLUSION This study enhances the understanding of the intricate relationship between chronic liver disease and major depressive disorder (MDD). The results indicate that income level, education level, and the presence of comorbidities significantly influence the manifestation of depression in this population. Healthcare professionals can leverage these insights to identify high-risk patients and tailor interventions to enhance mental well-being and treatment outcomes for individuals with chronic liver disease.

Keywords

• chronic liver disease, major depressive disorder, prevalence, age, income, education, comorbidities, depression severity, targeted interventions.