Prevalence of Anxiety and Its Associated Factors Among Cardiac Patients on Follow-up in the Cardiology Clinic at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Background Anxiety is a frequently encountered condition in individuals with heart-related illnesses. It is linked to heightened rates of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, which consequently negatively impact overall well-being and associated quality of life. On a global scale, research has consistently demonstrated that early identification and implementation of suitable therapeutic interventions for managing anxiety in cardiac diseases can effectively decrease mortality rates associated with cardiovascular ailments. However, in the context of Kenya, there exists a paucity of data regarding the extent to which anxiety is prevalent among patients with heart conditions. Thus, the objective of this study is to ascertain the prevalence of anxiety among individuals diagnosed with cardiac diseases. Purpose This study aimed to assess the prevalence and socio-demographic factors associated with anxiety among adult patients with cardiac conditions attending Kenyatta National Hospital cardiology outpatient clinic. Study Design and site A cross-sectional descriptive study using cardiac patients at the Kenyatta National Hospital’s cardiology outpatient clinic. xii Method This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Convenience sampling method was used to enroll 174 patients with confirmed cardiovascular conditions on follow up at the cardiology outpatient clinic at KNH. Data collection was done by interviews utilizing the GAD-7 and a researcher designed sociodemographic questionnaire to capture crucial data. Data was coded and analyzed using a statistical software (SPSS version 22) and presented in form of frequencies and percentages in tables. P values of ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant at 95% confidence interval following a bivariate analysis. Results The examination enrolled one hundred and seventy-four participants attending the cardiac department at KNH. Out of the examination's population, thirty-five point four percent were male and sixty-five point three percent were female. The median age was fifty-eight years. Most (34% of the one hundred and seventy-four participants) were married. The majority of the participants, thirty-two percent (n=57), had completed primary level education. In terms of occupation, fifty percent (n=88) were unemployed. Out of the participants engaged in income-generating activities, thirty-one percent (n=54) had an income between 10,000-40,000. Sixty-three point two percent of the participants were Protestants, twenty-five point three percent were Catholic, and seven participants were Muslims. The most prevalent cardiovascular condition observed was Hypertensive Heart Disease. The prevalence of anxiety in the examination was sixty-seven percent and was observed mostly among the widowed. Hypertensive Heart Disease was also significantly associated with anxiety with a (p<0.038). Age, gender, marital status, education, occupation, and income were found to be significant factors in the development of anxiety in cardiac disease. Conclusion As evidenced by this study, the prevalence of anxiety is higher among patients with cardiac disease in comparison to the general population. xiii Age, gender, marital status, education attainment, occupation and level of income appeared to have an impact on the presence or absence of anxiety among the participants. Recommendation Routine screening for anxiety in cardiac patients needs to be undertaken as they may be more susceptible to anxiety compared to the general public. Anxiety has also been shown to increase the rates of mortality in cardiac patients thus necessitating the need for screening and timely management