Religiousness, Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Glaucoma, Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy.

BACKGROUND: Many chronic medical conditions such as glaucoma, senile macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy are further complicated by emotional and psychological disorders. Religiousness represents a part of a social culture and has a significant role in the prevention of mental difficulties of the patients, especially those belonging to older population. The aim of this study was to investigate the connection between religiousness, anxiety, and depression in patients with glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy and to test their connection related to different diagnosis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 163 patients divided into three groups (glaucoma group, senile macular degeneration group and diabetic retinopathy group). Respondents voluntarily agreed to participate in the study and with assistance they fully completed the Scale of Religiousness, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, General Health Questionnaire and demographic information (age, gender, education, employment and marital status). RESULTS: The results showed noticeable religiosity of the respondents (M=18.31, SD=5.28), but also the presence of anxiety (M=7.55, SD=3.73), especially in patients with glaucoma, as well as impaired mental health in AMD patients (M=19.56, SD=4.14). No differences were found in the severity of anxiety, depression, general health and religiosity between groups, but the presence of depression in subjects with age-related macular degeneration significantly affects the level of religiosity (p=0.032). CONCLUSION: These results unequivocally point to the need for further research and raising awareness of all health professionals about the importance of a holistic approach to the patient regardless of his diagnosis in order to identify the possible effective ways to deal with chronic disease considering all levels of patient's needs.