Depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in patients with cardiovascular diseases attending primary health care centers in Western Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a major cause of mortality across the globe and are often accompanied by psychological distress, which may worsen disease outcomes.AimThis study aimed to investigate the frequency and main predictors of depression, anxiety, and stress in patients with CVD.Settings and designData were collected in primary health care centers (PHCCs) operated by the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs in western Saudi Arabia.Methods and materialsA cross-sectional study was conducted among adults with confirmed CVD. Psychological symptoms were assessed using the validated Arabic version of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21. Subscale scores were summed, categorized by standard severity levels, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and forward binary logistic regression to identify predictors exceeding the 'normal' range.Statistical analysis usedData analysis was performed with IBM SPSS Statistics v31.ResultsAmong 420 CVD patients (mean age 57.3 ± 11.4; 45.5% female), depression, anxiety, and stress were present in 40.0%, 46.0%, and 30.0%, respectively, while 76.4% had at least one psychological distress symptom. Depression was more common in younger, female, or employed participants; anxiety in females or participants with non-CVD comorbidities or a family history of disability; and stress in participants with a family history of chronic disease or longer CVD duration. Medication adherence was protective across all outcomes.ConclusionsHigh rates of depression, anxiety, and stress were observed among patients with CVD. Routine psychological screening and structured psychosocial care within PHCCs are recommended.