Prevalence and Determinants of Anxiety Disorders Among Patients with Chronic Illnesses at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja

Background Anxiety disorders commonly coexist with chronic illnesses and significantly worsen clinical outcomes, treatment adherence, and quality of life. Despite this, anxiety is often underdiagnosed in medical settings. This study assessed the prevalence, determinants, and impact of anxiety disorders among patients with chronic illnesses attending the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada, Abuja. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 206 outpatients with chronic illnesses. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire incorporating the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale – Anxiety Subscale (HADS-A). Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression were used for analysis at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results The prevalence of abnormal anxiety was 24.3%, with an additional 25.2% presenting borderline symptoms. Significant determinants of anxiety included young age (p = 0.003), female gender (p = 0.034), stigma (p < 0.001), comorbidities (p = 0.002), prior mental illness (p < 0.001), and sleep disturbance. Anxiety impaired concentration (46.1%), reduced productivity (50.0%), worsened physical symptoms (50.5%), and disrupted sleep (56.3%). More than half (54.4%) reported reduced quality of life. Conclusion Anxiety disorders are common among chronic illness patients at UATH and are influenced by demographic, psychosocial, and clinical factors. Anxiety significantly impairs functioning and disease outcomes.