# Prevalence and associated factors of anxiety and depression among patients with wounds: An exploratory cross-sectional study in the Taabo health and demographic surveillance system, Côte d’Ivoire

## TL;DR

This study explores how common anxiety and depression are among wound patients in Côte d’Ivoire and finds that mental health issues are more severe in hospital settings.

## Contribution

The study identifies factors like age, gender, wound size, and care level that influence anxiety and depression in wound patients.

## Key findings

- Anxiety and depression scores were lowest at the household level compared to health centres and hospitals.
- Anxiety was linked to older age and female gender, while depression was associated with female gender, larger wounds, and higher care levels.
- Household wound care by community health workers was linked to lower mental health issues.

## Abstract

Anxiety and depression are common among patients with wounds, impairing healing and quality of life. This study estimated their prevalence and associated factors across community-and referral care facilities in Taabo, Côte d’Ivoire.

An exploratory cross-sectional study included 157 patients aged ≥16 years with wounds, recruited consecutively between October and December 2023. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Demographic and wound characteristics were collected. Associations were examined using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests, and multivariate logistic regression adjusted for age and gender identified independent factors.

Anxiety and depression scores were lowest at household level (6.0 and 5.4) compared to health centre (7.4 and 6.9) and general hospital (9.1 and 9.8). Prevalence was 25.4% and 18.5% at the household level, 49.0% and 55.1% at health centre and 77.4% and 84.9% at the general hospital. Anxiety was independently associated with older age and female gender, while depression was associated to female gender, larger wound size (≥5 cm) and referral-level care.

Early household-based wound care by CHWs was associated with lower prevalence of anxiety and depression. Integrating psychosocial support into wound management, particularly at referral facilities, may reduce the mental health burden.