TITLE:
Predicting Depression among Jordanian Patients Diagnosed with Physical Illnesses
AUTHORS:
Ayman M. Hamdan-Mansour, Bushra M. Ghannam, Dana D. Al Abeiat, Talal H. Al Badawi, Imad N. Thultheen, Ibrahim M. Shamali
KEYWORDS:
Chronic Illness, Depression, Jordan, Psychosocial Health
JOURNAL NAME:
Psychology,
Vol.5 No.19,
December
5,
2014
ABSTRACT: Depression
is associated with increased medical morbidity and mortality among patients
with chronic medical illnesses. The purpose of this study was to investigate
the psychosocial predictors of depression among patients diagnosed with chronic
illnesses in Jordan. A cross sectional survey using 806 patients diagnosed with
chronic illnesses has been used to collect data in regards to depressive
symptoms, psychological distress, coping, optimism, life satisfaction, and
perceived social support. 27.5% of the patients reported that they had moderate
to severe depressive symptoms, and about 31% of them had mild level of
depression. Psychological distress, perceived social support from family, life
satisfaction and optimism were significant predictors of depressive symptoms (R2 = .29; F 11, 803 = 29.7, p p =
.01). Implication for clinical practice and research are discussed.