Key result
Greater emotional support is linked to fewer depressive symptoms in AF, where ~38% exhibit depression.
Why the study?
To analyze the relationship between anxiety and depressive symptoms and social support in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Cross-Sectional (n=102)
In patients with atrial fibrillation, higher levels of social support are associated with lower depressive symptom scores, highlighting the potential importance of psychosocial interventions in this population.
Highlights need for social support evaluation alongside anxiety/depression screening in AF; leaves open causal effects and intervention benefits.
Objectives: to analyze the relationship between anxiety and depressive symptoms and social support in patients with atrial fibrillation. Methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted with 102 participants. Data were collected using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey. Descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation were used to analyze the data. Results: the median anxiety score was 8.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 7-11), and the median depression score was 6.0 (IQR 3-10). Anxiety symptoms were identified in 60.8% of participants and depressive symptoms in 38.2%. Inverse correlations were observed between depressive symptoms and affectionate support, emotional/informational support, and positive social interaction. No associations were found between anxiety symptoms and social support. Conclusions: higher levels of affectionate and emotional/informational support and positive social interaction were associated with lower depressive symptom scores.
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Monteiro et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in atrial fibrillation (n=102). Social support was evaluated on Correlation between anxiety and depressive symptoms and social support. Higher levels of affectionate and emotional support were associated with lower depressive symptom scores in patients with atrial fibrillation, among whom 38.2% exhibited depressive symptoms.
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