BEYOND BREATHLESSNESS: EXAMINING DEPRESSION IN COPD WITH FOCUS ON PREVALENCE AND IMPACT

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of depression among COPD patients, and to explore the demographic characteristics associated with depression in these patients.

 Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center Karachi, Pakistan from May 2022 to May 2024, involving 110 patients diagnosed with moderate to severe COPD based on GOLD criteria. Participants were aged 18 years or above, diagnosed with COPD for at least 5 years, and excluded if they had depression due to other chronic diseases or known psychiatric issues. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was secured. Data collection utilized the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) to assess depression levels, alongside a structured questionnaire for demographic details. COPD severity was measured using spirometry, with criteria including FEV1 <70% and FEV1/FVC ratio <70%. Statistical analysis employed SPSS version 20 to compute descriptive statistics for numerical factors and frequencies for categorical data, examining relationships between depression and patient characteristics.

Results: This study involved 110 patients with moderate to very severe COPD, with a mean age of 60.5 ± 10.2 years, including 62 males (56.4%) and 48 females (43.6%). The average COPD duration was 8.3 ± 3.1 years. The majority were aged 60 years and older (65.5%) and married (70.9%). Employment status varied, with 31.8% unemployed and 40.9% employed. Depression, assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), was prevalent in 54% of participants, with 34.5% having no depression, 38.2% mild, 20% moderate, and 7.3% severe depression. Depression rates were higher among older patients, females, single individuals, and the unemployed, indicating significant mental health concerns among COPD patients.

 Conclusion: The study findings highlight the significant burden of depression among COPD patients in Pakistan, influenced by demographic factors, disease severity, and cultural contexts. Addressing these factors through targeted interventions is crucial for improving mental health outcomes and overall quality of life in this vulnerable patient population.