Depression, anxiety and stress in chronic otitis media

Purpose: Persistent symptoms of chronic otitis media cause limitations in daily routine and social interactions, significantly influencing patients’ quality of life and mental health. The purpose of the study was to assess the intensity of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in patients with chronic otitis media and to examine if patient demographic data, characteristics, and reported symptoms of otitis influence reported depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms.
Material and Methods: The study included 316 adult patients diagnosed with unilateral or bilateral chronic otitis media with or without cholesteatoma. Patients underwent a complete otological, audiological and radiological assessment. Chronic otitis media questionnaire 12 (COMQ-12) was used to assess the impact of COM and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21) was used for depression, anxiety, and stress assessment.
Results: Some levels of anxiety and stress were detected in 70.57% and 49.37% of the patients, respect...