Impact of Anxiety Disorders Among Patients with Chronic Illnesses at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria

Background Anxiety disorders are common among individuals living with chronic illnesses and can significantly impair cognitive functioning, social relationships, productivity, and overall quality of life. Despite their clinical importance, the functional and psychosocial impact of anxiety among chronically ill patients in Nigeria remains underexplored. This study assessed the impact of anxiety on daily functioning and productivity among patients receiving care at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 206 adult outpatients with chronic medical conditions. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale–Anxiety subscale (HADS-A). Descriptive statistics were used to determine the distribution of anxiety-related functional, psychosocial, and productivity impairments. Results More than half of respondents were aged 36–59 years (53.9%), 41.7% were aged 18–35 years, and 4.4% were ≥ 60 years. Women constituted 58.3% of the sample, and most participants were married (68.4%). Over half (56.3%) earned less than ₦100,000 monthly. Anxiety exerted notable cognitive impact, with 34.5% often and 13.6% usually experiencing difficulty concentrating or making decisions. Social functioning was similarly affected: 23.3% often and 8.7% usually had difficulty forming or maintaining relationships due to excessive worrying. Sleep disruption was prominent, with 35.9% often and 20.4% usually reporting poor sleep or insomnia due to anxiety. Additionally, anxiety frequently worsened physical symptoms (34.5% often; 16.0% usually). Productivity was also impaired, with 36.9% often and 13.1% usually reporting limited productivity at work or school due to excessive worrying. Furthermore, 36.9% often and 10.7% usually experienced difficulty completing daily tasks attributable to anxiety. Conclusion Anxiety significantly affects cognitive functioning, interpersonal relationships, sleep quality, productivity, and daily task performance among chronically ill patients at UATH. These findings highlight the need for routine anxiety screening and integration of mental health support into chronic disease management to improve patient functioning and overall well-being.