KUMJ | VOL. 23 | NO. 5 | ISSUE 93 | DECEMBER, 2026

Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression among Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Patients in Lumbini Province of Nepal
Yadav G, Sapkota KP, Baral S, Yadav DK, Kafle HP, KC B, Acharya CP, Yadav Y, Sharma V, Nagila A, Yadav RK, KC A

Abstract:
Background Drug-resistant tuberculosis is raising public health concerns and posing a health security threat, affecting thousands of people worldwide as well in Nepal. Drug resistance tuberculosis treatment regimens was long-term and complicated treatments, depression and anxiety are two of the most common psychological problems among drug-resistant tuberculosis patients. Objective To assess the prevalence and factors associated with anxiety and depression among drug-resistant tuberculosis patients. Method A health facility based cross-sectional study was conducted among 140 drug resistance tuberculosis participants. Anxiety and depression were screened using GAD-7 and PHQ-9 respectively. Data were entered in Epi-data and analysis was performed with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Result The prevalence rate of anxiety and depression is 29.3% and 47.9% respectively. Occupational status (p 0.031), transportation to reach drug-resistant tuberculosis treatment center (p 0.042) and social engagement (p 0.002) was statistically significant with anxiety whereas occupation (p 0.031), family income (p 0.016), drugresistant tuberculosis treatment phase (p 0.042) and social engagement (p <0.001) was found statistically significant with depression. Conclusion Patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis faces enormous psychological burdens. Transportation facility should be provided to reach drug-resistant tuberculosis patients to make easy access to health services and reduce anxiety.
Keyword : Anxiety, Depression, Drug resistance, Prevalence, Tuberculosis