Underestimated anxiety in chronic diseases: A cross-sectional study on specific risk factors

Globally, approximately one-third of adults are affected by 1 or multiple chronic diseases, posing a considerable threat to mental health, particularly in relation to mental disorders. The objective of our study was to investigate the associations between chronic diseases and anxiety levels, as well as to identify the risk factors that contribute to the occurrence of anxiety in patients with chronic diseases. This cross-sectional survey was conducted from January 1, 2023, to January 1, 2024 at the First People's Hospital of Hangzhou Lin'an District. The anxiety status was assessed by the tool of Zung Self-Rating Anxiety (SAS). A cohort of 50 patients was identified, among whom 23 (46%) were assessed as having anxiety, while 27 (54%) did not exhibit anxiety. Patients with anxiety had a higher level of existed in living alone compared to those without anxiety (P = .032). Notably, the SAS score of anxiety for patients with 4 chronic diseases (60.0 ± 11.2) was significantly higher compared to those with 1 chronic disease (41.2 ± 15.4, P = .034) and 2 chronic diseases (44.2 ± 13.2, P = .037). The analysis revealed that patients living alone were more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety compared to those living with family (odds ratio = 5.469; 95% confidence interval, 1.007-29.701, P = .049). Our findings substantiate the association between anxiety and chronic diseases. The significance of demographic factors in the manifestation of anxiety related to chronic diseases warrants further investigation.