Abstract:
Background: Glaucoma is a chronic, progressive and multifactorial ocular disease that result to
blindness if not treated timely. Anxiety and depression were a psychological problem noted among
glaucoma patients. Identifying the risk factors associated with these psychological challenges is
crucial for the early detection, prevention, and successful management of emotional well-being in
glaucoma patients.
Objective: This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and associated
factors among glaucoma patients who attended Menelik II Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Methods: The study had a sample size of 442 and employed an institutional-based cross-sectional
design. Glaucoma follow-up patients were enrolled using systematic random sampling over the
course of data collection period. Data were collected using the HADS-anxiety (HADS-A) and
HADS-depression (HADS-D) scales, as well as reviewing electronic medical records. The analysis
was computed using STATA version 17. Multi-variable logistic regression were computed to
identify independent predictors of anxiety and/or depression. The strength of association was
measured using adjusted odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval.
Results: The prevalence of anxiety and depression was 33.33% (95% CI: 28.99, 37.98) and
32.86% (95% CI: 28.54, 37.50), respectively. Independent predictors of anxiety were no formal
education (AOR = 2.07, 95% CI (1.02, 4.2)), elementary school level (AOR = 1.91, 95% CI (1.01,
3.61)), a Vertical Cup to Disc Ratio (VCDR) of ≥ 0.90 (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI (1.12, 4.24)),
presenting visual acuity in the better eye < 3/60 (AOR = 5.32, 95% CI (2.10, 13.51)), having both
diabetics and hypertension (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI (1.21, 4.87)), and no health insurance (AOR =
0.78, 95% CI (0.26, 0.85)). Family history of glaucoma (AOR=2.23, 95% CI: 1.20, 4.20), duration
of glaucoma ≥ 12 years (AOR=2.08, 95% CI: 1.02, 4.26), vertical cup-to-disc ratio (AOR=3.22,
95% CI: 1.64, 6.29), and presenting visual acuity in the better eye < 3/60 (AOR=6.30, 95% CI:
2.39, 16.60) were significantly associated with depression.
Conclusion and recommendation: Nearly one-third of glaucoma follow-up patients have both
anxiety and depression. Better to consider comprehensive care approaches that address both the
physical and mental well-being of glaucoma patients
............. Thesis available at ACIPH Library