Internationale Zeitschrift für öffentliche Gesundheit und Sicherheit

Effectiveness of CBT on Depression and Anxiety Symptoms among COPD Patients

Abstract

Chhillar R

Introduction: Depression and anxiety impacts people of every age, sex, and ethnic background, with debilitating health care and disability costs. Due to the significant increased costs, lack of availability of health care, and associated social stigma, there is an increased need to find alternative, socially acceptable therapies like CBT (Cognitive behavior therapy) for the treatment of COPD symptoms like depression and anxiety.
Methods: The research design of the study was quasi-experimental one group pre-test post-test design. The subjects selected for the study were patients suffering from COPD. The sample of 30 patients of COPD who were admitted in hospital wards were selected using simple randomization technique. Interview technique was used to fill pre-test and post-test regarding depression and anxiety. Both the tools used- Beck’s anxiety scale and Hamilton’s depression scales were standardized. Data was collected and CBT program was administered to COPD patients. The analysed data was interpreted in the form of objectives and hypothesis.
Results: The collected data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. The majorities of patients were females (53%) and were married (90%).The mean post-test depression score with standard deviation. (26.6 ± 6.5) was significantly higher than mean pretest depression score with standard deviation (22.8 ± 5.5). Similarly the mean post- test score of anxiety with standard deviation (19.7 ± 6.1) was significantly higher than mean pretest score with standard deviation (17.4 ± 5.5). The study findings revealed that there was negative co-relation (-0.18) between anxiety and depression. A significant association was found between level of post-test depression and anxiety with educational status.
Conclusion: There was negative correlation between post-test depression and anxiety scores. Cognitive behavior therapy was an effective therapeutic process in reducing anxiety and depression among COPD patients.