Prevalence and risk factors of anxiety and depression in patients with liver cirrhosis during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background Patients with cirrhosis are prone to mental and psychological problems. However, data on mental and psychological problems in patients with cirrhosis during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are lacking. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of anxiety and depression in this population. Methods The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Scale and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale were used to collect mental health data in this cross-sectional study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relevant influencing factors of anxiety and depression. Results The prevalence rates of anxiety and depression in patients with cirrhosis were 21.3% and 29.9%, respectively. Anxiety risk was higher among patients with cirrhosis who had significant abdominal pain and treatment interruption; COVID-19 vaccination was associated with anxiety reduction as a protective factor. Depression risk was higher among patients with cirrhosis for > 10 years, significant abdominal pain within one week, and treatment interruption. Course of cirrhosis of 5–10 years and COVID-19 vaccination were associated with the reduction of depression as protective factors. Conclusion COVID-19 vaccination is a protective factor for both depression and anxiety. Our findings may help healthcare professionals to develop appropriate treatment strategies and timely psychological interventions.