OBJECTIVE

To assess the magnitude and associated factors of depression and anxiety among chronic disease patients during the COVID-19 pandemic at the University of Gondar Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia 2021.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was done from June 1 to August 30, 2021 among non-communicable chronic disease patients. A systematic random sampling technique was used to collect data from 400 patients. Data were entered into EPI Info and to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Descriptive data analysis was done and bivariable and multi-variable logistic regression was used to identify factors. Variables with a p-value of 0.05 were considered statically significant.

RESULTS

The mean age of the respondents was 51.3 ± 0.8 years. The prevalence of anxiety and depression among non-communicable chronic disease patients was 17.9% (95%CI 14.2, 21.7) and 16.3% (95%CI 12.6, 20.1)) respectively. Being female (AOR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.21, 5.41), divorced (AOR = 3.42, 95% CI: 1.02-11.50), and ever cigarette smoking (AOR = 5.00, 95% CI: 1.66-14.90) were significantly associated with depression. Whereas, ever cigarette smoking (AOR = 2.74, 95% CI: 1.04, 7.21), number of closed contacts (AOR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.31), and poor social support (AOR = 2.98, 95% CI: 1.16, 7.65) were significantly associated with the anxiety.

CONCLUSION

The magnitude of depression and anxiety was high. Thus, appropriate action should be taken to identify those patients and integration of psychiatric care into the usual care of non-communicable chronic disease patients is vital.