Predicting Depression among Jordanian Patients Diagnosed with Physical Illnesses

Abstract

Depression is associated with increased medical morbidity and mortality among patients with chronic medical illnesses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychosocial predictors of depression among patients diagnosed with chronic illnesses in Jordan. A cross sectional survey using 806 patients diagnosed with chronic illnesses has been used to collect data in regards to depressive symptoms, psychological distress, coping, optimism, life satisfaction, and perceived social support. 27.5% of the patients reported that they had moderate to severe depressive symptoms, and about 31% of them had mild level of depression. Psychological distress, perceived social support from family, life satisfaction and optimism were significant predictors of depressive symptoms (R2 = .29; F 11, 803 = 29.7, p < .001). Male and female patients were significantly different in their depressive scores (t = −2.57, p = .01). Implication for clinical practice and research are discussed.