Asthma Blues: Socio-Demographics as Predictors of Psychological Distress among Asthma Patients

Abstract

The current research designed to investigate the socio-demographics as predictors of psychological distress among asthma patients. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition which is characterized by airways restriction and has co-morbid psychological distress. The study design was correlational, comparative and within group design. Through purposive sampling, 120 asthma patients were taken from different public and private clinics and hospitals of Faisalabad’s. The variables were measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress (DASS) Urdu version (Aslam, 2007). The data were analyzed using Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient (r), regression analysis and independent t-test. The findings showed a highly substantial correlation between asthma and psychological distress. It was concluded that female, older adult and chronic patients show higher level of Depression, Anxiety and Stress and are the strong predictor of psychological distress among asthma patients. It is suggested that the specific asthma illness be selected for future research in order to get the most precise and comprehensive information.