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, respectively. 13.29% of the patients had scores indicating depression disorder. The mean value of the COMQ-12 questionnaire for this group of patients was 26.24 (SD±11.47) More intense symptoms of COM were significantly associated (p<0.05) with higher scores on DASS-21 subscales. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that significant positive predictors of higher anxiety scores were pure tone average (PTA) on the better and worse hearing ear (p<0.05). Drainage from the ear, hearing problems at home, and tinnitus were significant positive predictors of a higher DASS-depression score. (p<0.05). Conclusion: The study confirmed a positive correlation between reported levels of anxiety, depression, and stress, the severity of COM symptoms, and quality of life. Levels of hearing in the better and worse hearing ear were significant positive predictors of anxiety and stress in patients with COM.