Depression among rheumatoid arthritis patients and barriers to seeking professional help: An observational study.

BACKGROUND: A few studies have reported the association of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with emotional changes including anxiety and depression. There is a paucity of Indian studies in this area.

AIM: To assess depression and its correlates in diagnosed cases of RA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional and hospital-based study. A total of 70 patients with RA fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Their demographic characteristics were recorded. They were individually assessed with the Clinical Disease Activity Index, Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Barriers to Access Care Evaluation, and Beck Depression Inventory. Statistical analysis was undertaken with SPSS.

RESULTS: In the patients with RA the prevalence of depression was 44.2%. Analysis revealed that there was a significant positive correlation between depression with the severity of RA. Barriers to help-seeking were mainly attitudinal rather than stigma-related or instrumental barriers.

CONCLUSION: In the RA patients, the prevalence of depression was 44.2%. Clinical disease activity and the pain index were higher in patients with depression.