Mental health status among chronic disease patients in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from a cross-sectional study

Context:The COVID-19 epidemic has had a substantial influence on the mental health of chronic disease patients. However, there is a scarcity of research on them in Bangladesh.Aims:This study aims to explore the prevalence of and identify the risk factors for depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic among people with chronic diseases in Bangladesh.Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study involving face-to-face and telephone interviews was carried out among Bangladeshi people diagnosed with chronic diseases between September and November 2020. The total sample size was 878, and a convenient sampling technique was used. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate potential influencing factors for depression, anxiety, and stress.Results:The mean age of respondents was 50.10 years. Among them, 35.0%, 36.0%, and 29.0% suffered from depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, respectively. In multivariable logistic regression, depression had a significant positive association with higher age (>= 60 years), lower income, rural residency, and loss of close family members due to COVID-19. Anxiety had a significant positive association with higher age (>= 40 years), lower education, lower income, rural residency, and loss of close family members due to COVID-19. Stress had a significant positive association with higher age (>= 40 years), no income, rural residency, and loss of close family members due to COVID-19.Conclusion:It is urgent to consider the risk of developing mental health distress among chronic disease patients, especially aged people, by health service providers and generate effective programs for emergency situations.