Spectrum of anxiety and depression reported in reproductive-aged women diagnosed with gynaecological disorders at a tertiary healthcare facility in Ghana

Esther Eshun Oppong; Ernest Obese; Robert Peter Biney; Pearlmond Agbalekpor; Priscilla A. Hanson; Maame Y. A. Aboagye; Emmanuel A. Adakudugu; Madison Adanusa; Richard Pinkrah; Anasthasia O. Adomah; Silas A. Osei; Elizabeth N. Oge; Mary A. Agbenyeku; Elvis O. Ameyaw

doi:10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20213358

Authors

Esther Eshun Oppong School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Ernest Obese School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Robert Peter Biney School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Pearlmond Agbalekpor Department Biomedical Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Priscilla A. Hanson Department Biomedical Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Maame Y. A. Aboagye School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Emmanuel A. Adakudugu School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Madison Adanusa Directorate of University Health Services, University of Cape Coast Hospital, Cape Coast, Ghana
Richard Pinkrah Directorate of University Health Services, University of Cape Coast Hospital, Cape Coast, Ghana
Anasthasia O. Adomah School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Silas A. Osei School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Elizabeth N. Oge Department Biomedical Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Mary A. Agbenyeku Department Biomedical Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Elvis O. Ameyaw School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20213358

Keywords:

Gynaecological disorders, Depression, Anxiety, Psychological disorder

Abstract

Background: Patients with gynaecological disorders often suffer from psychological disorders including anxiety and depression. Although depression and anxiety have been studied in Ghana, data regarding the prevalence of these disorders in patients with gynaecological disorders is non-existent. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression in reproductive-aged women diagnosed with gynaecological disorders.

Methods: Cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Gynaecology Clinic of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, a tertiary health facility in Accra, Ghana. Patients of reproductive age seeking gynaecological care at the facility from December 2018 to January 2019 were assessed for anxiety and depression using the Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) questionnaire and the Beck depression inventory (BDI) respectively. Sociodemographic and clinical information was gathered as well.

Results: Of the 120 patients interviewed (mean age 34.33±0.66), 36.7% were depressed while 51.6% were reported anxiety disorders. Patients aged 35-45 years had the highest prevalence of anxiety (24.58%) and depression (29.18%). Again, prevalence rates were highest among respondents with senior high school as the highest educational qualification, (anxiety (22.15%); depression (24.20%). Patients suffering from pelvic floor disorder recorded the highest prevalence of anxiety (11.40%) and depression (13.77%). There was a significant association between depression and gynaecological disorders [χ²(25) =53.915, p=0.001, CI=95%], but there was not enough evidence of an association between anxiety and gynaecological disorders [χ²(15) =22.791, p=0.089, CI=95%].

Conclusions: Anxiety and depression are prevalent amongst women in their reproductive age diagnosed presenting with gynaecological disorders and there is a significant association between gynaecological disorders and the prevalence of depression.

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