The emotional impact of chronic illness
The emotional impact of chronic illness

Summary/Abstract: Aim and background: The objective of this study was to identifying the emotional impact of chronic illnesses and its relation to study variables (Age, Sex, Clinic visit, Diagnosis, District and working status). There is a limited information and lack of researches in Arab countries about the mental health condition for people who are suffering from chronic illnesses Material and methods: One hundred sixty eight consenting participants who were suffering from chronic illnesses, which were attended to receive care from primary health care departments, related to MoH in west–bank of Palestine, the study population was selected based on (catch fish) and study sample were selected systematically and was divided equally between both sex, and they were. The researcher has used PHQ 9; which was consisted from nine statements, PHQ 9 has built based on DSM to assess the emotional status. The data was collected during a month, and through personal interview. Results: The results showed that there was no significant differences on the chronic illness at the level of (α= 0.05) according to PHQ–9 total score by; Age, Sex, Clinic visit, Diagnosis and District. But showed that there was a significant differences on the chronic illness at the level of (α= 0.05) according to PHQ–9 total score related; working status to the advantage of not working. Also the results were show different levels on depression symptoms; (27.2%) of participants showed a minimal level of depression which can categorized as a normal health conditions. (30.2%) of participants showed a mild level of depression, and (24.7%) of participants showed moderate level of depression, and both percentages could be pathological conditions. (13.6%) of participants showed moderately severe depression and (4.3%) of participants showed that they are suffering from severe depression, and both of (13.6%) and (4.3%) percentages classified as a pathological health conditions and they were needed for intervention. Conclusion: The results showed that there is no significant differences between people suffering from chronic illness at the level of (α= 0.05) according to PHQ–9 total score related to; Age, Sex, Clinic visit, Diagnosis and District. But showed that there is a significant differences between people suffering from chronic illness at the level of (α= 0.05) according to PHQ–9 total score related to; working status to the advantage of whom not working. And showed that depression symptoms with different levels were common between most of people suffering from chronic illnesses.

• Details
• Contents