Emotional distress patients with several types of tuberculosis. A pilot study with patients from the Sanatorium Hospital of Huambo.

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence that emotional distress expressed in terms of anxiety and depression it is very high among tuberculosis (TB) patients.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine levels of anxiety, depression and emotional distress in patients with several types of TB and to determine the association between social-demographic and economical factors, clinical variables and anxiety, depression and emotional distress.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in a sample of 81 TB patients. A social-demographic and economical questionnaire was used, followed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

RESULTS: 38.3% and 49.4% of our sample presented significant levels of anxiety and depression. 44.4% of patients had significant levels of emotional distress. Married subjects, a diagnosis of extra-pulmonary TB and multidrug resistant TB were related to higher risk for anxiety. Gender, extra-pulmonary and multidrug resistant TB were associated to depression. Female gender and cases of extra-pulmonary TB presented a 1,5 times risk for emotional distress.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study found high rates of anxiety, depression and emotional distress among TB patients. Marital status, gender, type and treatment of TB were related to higher levels of emotional disorder. Mental health services should be an integral part of programs against tuberculosis.