Anxiety and Depression Among Individuals Affected by Eczema: A Cross-Sectional Study of Prevalence and Associated Factors in A University Hospital

Authors

  • Mohammed A AlJaffer King Saud University , Saudi Arabia Author
  • Nasser M AbuDujain King Saud University , Saudi Arabia Author
  • Hend M AlOtaibi King Saud University , Saudi Arabia Author
  • Reem H. Alsergani King Saud University , Saudi Arabia Author
  • Abdullah A. Alshehri King Saud University , Saudi Arabia Author
  • Samer M. Almutairi King Saud University , Saudi Arabia Author
  • Bandar M. Almutairi King Saud University , Saudi Arabia Author
  • Nwaf A. Alshahir King Saud University , Saudi Arabia Author
  • Abdulelah S. Almuhsen King Saud University , Indonesia Author
  • Osama W Alburayh King Saud University , Saudi Arabia Author
  • Noor A Almodihesh King Saud University , Saudi Arabia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64021/

Keywords:

Anxiety, Depression, Eczema, Hospital

Abstract

Eczema s a chronic skin condition linked to reduced quality of life and mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. It affects a significant proportion of the population worldwide and is debilitating. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the relationship between eczema severity, anxiety, and depression in adult patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to August 2024 at the Dermatology clinic at King Saud University Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Patients with Eczema were recruited to complete an online survey about demographic characteristics, medical history; eczema severity (assessed using the Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure [POEM], and anxiety/depression levels (assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]. The study included 287 participants with a median age of 35.0 years, predominantly female (76.3%), Saudi (92.3%), and with low income (39.0%). Notably, 15.7% of the participants had borderline anxiety and 26.5% had anxiety, whereas 12.5% of the participants had depression. Severe eczema was associated with longer disease duration, higher medication use, and higher rates of anxiety (p < .001) and depression (p = .035) rates. Regression analysis showed that participants with severe eczema had a significantly higher risk of anxiety (OR = 5.00, 95% CI: 1.63–16.20, p = .006) and those with very severe eczema had even higher odds (OR = 22.1, 95% CI: 5.04–118.00, p < .001). Similarly, participants with severe eczema had a significantly higher risk of depression (OR = 6.27, 95% CI: 1.5–28.7, p = .014). Eczema severity is closely associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression, especially in those with severe disease. Prior mental illness and low income further increase the risk, emphasizing the need for integrated care addressing both physical and mental health in patients with eczema.

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Published

2026-01-26

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 2 (2026): January

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Mohammed A AlJaffer, Nasser M AbuDujain, Hend M AlOtaibi, Reem H. Alsergani, Abdullah A. Alshehri, Samer M. Almutairi, Bandar M. Almutairi, Nwaf A. Alshahir, Abdulelah S. Almuhsen, Osama W Alburayh, Noor A Almodihesh (Author)

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