DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, SLEEP IMPAIRMENTS AND QUALITY OF LIFE: A COMPARISON BETWEEN PATIENTS WITH PAINFUL DIABETIC PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY (PDPN) AND NON-PAINFUL NEUROPATHY (NPDPN), KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the quality of life, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance between patients diagnosed with PDPN (painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy) and NPDPN (non-painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy), KPK, Pakistan.

Methods:  Included 400 persons aged 30-65 diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, conducted at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's tertiary care facilities. The purposive sampling techniques were used. The patients were divided into two groups: 200 with PDPN and 200 with NPDPN. The Demographic Information Sheet, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4), WHOQOL-BREF, and Sleep Disturbance Adult Measure were the questionnaires used to collect the data.

Results: In comparison to the NPDPN group, the PDPN patients reported significantly higher levels of anxiety (10.8 ± 3.2, p < 0.001) and depression (Mean ± SD: 11.2 ± 3.4, p < 0.001). The PDPN group experienced more severe sleep deficits (15.4 ± 4.1, p < 0.001). In terms of quality of life, PDPN patients had significantly lower scores in physical health (48.6 ± 12.4p < 0.001), psychological well-being (42.8 ± 11.9, p < 0.001), social relationships (51.3 ± 10.5, p < 0.001), and environment (49.2 ± 12.1, p < 0.001). Inadequate sleep, anxiety, and depression were all significant predictors of quality of life in both groups, with the PDPN group experiencing stronger consequences. These results indicate the patients' worse quality of life and increased psychological burden.

Conclusion: PDPN is linked to psychological distress, sleep problems, and decreased quality of life. Effective management should target both physical and psychological aspects.