Assessment of anxiety and depression in patients with incidental pulmonary nodules and analysis of its related impact factors

OBJECTIVES: To assess anxiety and depression in patients with incidental pulmonary nodules and analyze the related impact factors. METHODS: All patients were assessed by questionnaires for their anxiety and depression after incidentally found pulmonary nodules. Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HAD), generalized anxiety disorder scale‐7 (GAD‐7), and multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS) were used to evaluate their anxiety and depression in order to understand the basic information and social support, and to analyze the related factors. RESULTS: The HAD scale was used in 201 patients with pulmonary nodules. Univariate analysis showed the frequency of visits and social support had significant effects on anxiety (χ(2) = 9.604, 20.912, P < 0.05). Regression analysis showed that social support (OR = 4.042, 95% CI: 2.1617.558, P < 0.05) was an independent influencing factor of anxiety. Univariate analysis showed that marital status, exposure history and social support had significant effects on depression (χ(2) = 10.626, 6.005, 3.984, P < 0.05). Regression analysis showed that marital status (OR = 0.375, 95% CI: 0.186–0.754, P < 0.05) and social support (OR = 2.206, 95% CI: 1.016–4.789, P < 0.05) were independent influencing factors of depression. The results of GAD‐7 showed the incidence of anxiety in patients with pulmonary nodules was 59.3% (108/182). Univariate analysis showed that anxiety was correlated with a history of chronic disease, psychological disease and social support (χ(2) = 9.949, 8.356, 11.872, P < 0.05). Further regression analysis showed that a previous history of psychological disease (OR = 5.088, 95% CI: 1.804–14.339) and social support (OR = 2.768, 95% CI: 1.505–5.094), were independent influencing factors of anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study concluded that anxiety was affected by social support and previous psychological factors, while depression was affected by marital status and social support. Doctors should therefore strengthen communication with patients, and alleviate the negative emotions of patients as far as possible.