Impact of Anxiety Disorders among Patients with Chronic Illnesses at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Anxiety disorders are common among people living with chronic illnesses and are associated with impaired cognitive functioning, social relationships, productivity, and quality of life. Despite their substantial impact on patient well-being and disease management, evidence on the functional and psychosocial burden of anxiety among patients with chronic illnesses in Nigeria remains limited. This study assessed the impact of anxiety on daily functioning and productivity among patients receiving care at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 206 adult outpatients with chronic medical conditions attending the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada, Nigeria. Participants were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire that captured sociodemographic characteristics and the functional, psychosocial, and productivity-related impact of anxiety. Anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale–Anxiety subscale (HADS-A). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participants’ characteristics and the distribution of anxiety-related cognitive, psychosocial, sleep, and productivity impairments. Results: More than half of the respondents were aged 36–59 years (53.9%), while 41.7% were aged 18–35 years and only 4.4% were aged 60 years or older. Women constituted the majority of the study population (58.3%), most participants were married (68.4%), and over half (56.3%) reported a monthly income below ₦100,000. Anxiety had substantial effects on participants’ cognitive, psychosocial, and functional well-being. Cognitive impairment was common, with 34.5% of respondents often and 13.6% usually experiencing difficulty concentrating or making decisions due to anxiety. Social functioning was also adversely affected, as 23.3% often and 8.7% usually reported difficulty forming or maintaining relationships because of excessive worrying. Sleep disturbance was particularly prominent, with 35.9% often and 20.4% usually experiencing poor sleep quality or insomnia attributable to anxiety. Furthermore, anxiety frequently exacerbated physical symptoms, with 34.5% of respondents reporting this often and 16.0% usually. The impact of anxiety extended to daily functioning and productivity. More than one-third of participants (36.9%) often, and an additional 13.1% usually, reported reduced productivity at work or school due to excessive worrying. Similarly, 36.9% often and 10.7% usually experienced difficulty completing routine daily tasks, highlighting the considerable functional burden associated with anxiety among patients living with chronic illnesses. Conclusion: The findings indicate that many patients with chronic illnesses at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital reported anxiety-related challenges affecting cognitive functioning, sleep quality, interpersonal relationships, productivity, and the ability to perform daily activities. These observations suggest that anxiety may represent an important source of functional and psychosocial burden among this population. Routine screening for anxiety and the integration of mental health assessment and support into chronic disease care may facilitate early identification of affected patients and contribute to improved functioning and overall well-being.