Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression and Related Risk Factors Among Patients with Noncommunicable Diseases in Northwest Syria Cross- Sectional Study

Background people with long-term physical health conditions or in conflict- affected areas are more likely to experience mental health problems. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression and anxiety and to explore the associated risk factors in Northwest Syria as an example of a conflict affected area. Methods a cross-sectional study was conducted in six primary health care centers from four subdistricts in Idleb and Aleppo governorates, from September to November 2023. Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) was used to screen patients. Results the findings were obtained from 413 patients, females were 55.9%. A high prevalence of anxiety (82.1%) and depression (90.5%) were observed. Female participants were significantly associated with having anxiety, females have 2.4 times more likely to have anxiety than males (p = 0.002). Younger patients (below 45 years old) were 3.49 times more likely to have anxiety than older patients (p = 0.042). Unemployed patients were 4.4 times more likely to have anxiety (p = 0.001), and 4.1 times more likely to have depression (p = 0.006) than employed patients. Patients with low income were 2.5 timed more likely to have anxiety (p = 0.036), and 3.98 timed more likely to have depression (p = 0.003) than patients with higher income. Conclusion anxiety and depression are highly prevalent in individuals with chronic diseases in study areas in Northwest Syria. The study suggests to pay more attention to the mental health status of the patients with NCDs to meet the complete definition of health.