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Published on: February 26, 2013

Prevalence and Factors Associated With Anxiety and Depression in Individuals With Chronic Atrial Fibrillation: A

Gustavo Carvalho de Lima Queiroz1, Amanda da Silva Monteiro2, Débora Ananias de Melo3

  • 1Gustavo Carvalho de Lima Queiroz, BSN, Department of Clinical Nursing, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil.

The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing
|July 7, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Anxiety and depressive symptoms are common in chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF). Factors like sex, education, and comorbidities influence their prevalence, highlighting the need for integrated mental health care in managing CAF patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Psychiatry
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF) is a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia.
  • CAF significantly impacts patients' self-care, treatment adherence, and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in individuals with CAF.
  • To identify factors associated with these mental health conditions in the CAF population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in Brazil.
  • The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used for assessment.
  • Statistical analyses included Chi-square, prevalence ratios, and Poisson regression.

Main Results:

  • 60.8% of individuals with CAF reported anxiety symptoms; 38.2% reported depressive symptoms.
  • Anxiety and depressive symptoms were less prevalent in men compared to women.
  • Lower educational attainment and higher comorbidity burden were associated with increased symptom prevalence.

Conclusions:

  • Sex, educational level, and comorbidity count are significant factors associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms in CAF patients.
  • Systematic mental health screening and integrated care are crucial for effective nursing management of individuals with CAF.
Abstract

Keywords:
anxietyatrial fibrillationdepressionprevalence

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