PROTECTIVE FACTORS AGAINST DEPRESSION IN PATIENTS WITH PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE WITH CRITICAL LIMB ISCHEMIA

Abstract

Introduction. The aim of the study was to assess the extent to which psychosocial factors (social support and coping strategies) may have a protective role against depression in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Methods. The design of the study was transversal and included 37 patients with PAD with critical ischemia (32 men, 5 women, mean age = 62.41). They were administered Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire and COPE inventory. Results. Depressive symptoms were found at 28.6% of the patients. There were low scores of perceived social support at 32.4% of the patients. Depression correlated (p<.001) positively with mental disengagement (r=.791), denial (r=.672), behavioral disengagement (r=.760), restraint (r=.075) and negatively with social support (r= -.879) and positive reinterpretation (r=-.844), active coping (r=-.776), use of emotional support (r=-.624). Discussion. PAD patients experience depression. Is highlighted the buffer role of social support and of active coping strategies in facing a chronic disease. Conclusions. Recognition and evaluation for depression in patients with PAD followed by identifying psychosocial interventions may be useful in improving outcomes of these patients.

Keywords

• peripheral arterial disease
• critical limb ischemia
• depression
• social support
• coping