Investigating the Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety in Burnt Patients; A Cross-Sectional Study in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan

Abstract

Burn patients often experience significant mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety due to the traumatic nature of their injuries, physical pain, body image changes, and the psychological impact of the burn itself, which can lead to long-term mental health consequences even after the physical wounds heal. Therefore, the current study was conducted to investigate anxiety and depression in burn patients of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Based on Sample Size calculator, 100 burn patients including 60 females (n=60) and 40 males (n=40) from the burn units of different hospitals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were recruited. Data was collected through convenient sampling technique by applying Hamilton Anxiety rating scale (HARS), Hamilton Depression rating scale (HDRS) and the Satisfaction with Appearance scale (SWAP) in order to assess anxiety and depression in burn patients. The main objectives were to examine the level of anxiety and depression among male and female burn patients, to assess body image of burn patients and to find out psychological impact of burn injuries on marital status, and employment status of burn patients. The results showed non-significant differences on the variable of anxiety and depression between male and female burn patients also, male and female burn patients reported non-significant results on satisfaction with appearance scale. Additionally, Marital status showed significant differences in anxiety and depression scales among the samples while, the results were non-significant between employed and unemployed burn patients on anxiety and depression.