Self Esteem and Psychological Distress among Patients with Tuberculosis and Fracture in Selected Hospitals in Enugu, Nigeria: A Comparative Study

Background: Diagnosis of tuberculosis and lower limb fracture and treatment can affect a patient‘s’- psychological well being. Psychological problems can affect the overall well being of the patient and make palliation of physical symptoms more difficult. Psychological symptoms reflect on individuals self esteem and level of psychological distress.

Objectives: Aim of this study is to ascertain and compare the emotional health and self esteem in patients with tuberculosis and fracture admitted to chest units in University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, and the National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu, Nigeria.

Methods: Study population consisted of 126 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis receiving treatment at Direct Observed Treatment Short course (DOTS) clinics and 126 patients with lower limb fracture at emergency and out – patients clinic. Socio-demographic interview schedule was used to assess the socio- demographic characteristics of the respondents. Symptom Checklist-90 was used to assess the extent of psychological symptoms in both respondents and Index of Self Esteem was used to assess self esteem.

Results: A significantly higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders was found in the tuberculosis group (25.4%) than in the orthopaedic group (7.6%). Psychiatric disorders encountered included depression, anxiety, and paranoid ideation and interpersonal sensitivity (SCL-90). Low self esteem was more prevalent among patients with tuberculosis compare to fracture.