D2.70 - The Impact of Comorbidity of respiratory and atopic diseases on Mental Health and Wellbeing: a Community Survey in the US and Eastern Europe

Chronic illnesses are often associated with mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, which are rarely addressed in disease management plans.

The aim of this study was to study the impact of chronic respiratory and immunological diseases on mental health and daily life and provide insights that improve patient and caregiver support through education, advocacy, and integrated care delivery.

This anonymous survey was conducted in the winter of 2024/5 and analyzed using the Survey Monkey platform. Participants were recruited from GAAPP US and its Eastern Europe Alliance community via newsletters, social media, and paid geo-targeted recruitment. Ethics exemption was attained in the US from BRANY IRB. Respondents (n=460,  ≥18 y) who consented and completed the survey had a diagnosis of respiratory, skin, and/or other immunological diseases residing in the USA (n=202), Bosnia and Herzegovina (33), Serbia (n=44), Slovenia (n=60, Croatia (n=40), Poland (n=17), Ukraine (n=53) and Malta (n=11 ). 

A subset of 322 patients (n=306; 66.5%) and caregivers of individuals (n=154; 34.5%) diagnosed with Asthma (44%) and/or allergy (63%; 40% with comorbid asthma). Most respondents were well-educated (32% high school; 56% university). 55% of them reported seeking professional help from a psychologist or psychiatrist, reported having fewer friends now compared to before the illness (58%), and reduced the time spent working and on other activities (73%). Many reported feeling very irritated (often 40%, sometimes 53%), exhausted (often 55% sometimes 38%), or having trouble sleeping (often 48%, sometimes 42%). A concerning amount thought that it would be better “if I wasn´t here” (17% often, 36% sometimes; Figure); or expressed reduced interest in sexual activity (81%). 75% of them reported a lack of understanding from medical staff. The most common coping attitude reported was distracting themselves with other activities (81%) while many adopted a defeatist attitude (49%), especially those from the Ukraine and Poland (Figure).

This survey demonstrated several mental health challenges of chronic illness, especially in this comorbid patient population. It emphasizes the need for integrated care approaches that address both mental and physical health. These findings encourage healthcare providers to adopt patient-centered, multidisciplinary care models that include mental health support.