Cardiometabolic multimorbidity and symptoms of common mental disorders in a primary healthcare system for low-income urban population in Pakistan

Bibliographic Data

ID19594513
AuthorsRafay Iqbal (0000-0001-7647-6011, Aga Khan University, corresponding author), Asra Qureshi (0000-0002-6919-6238, Aga Khan University, corresponding author), Rabia Jaffar (0000-0003-2117-132X, Aga Khan University, corresponding author), Wajiha Omair (0009-0009-1737-1434, Indus Hospital, corresponding author), Asif Ali Imam (0009-0003-0795-2100, Aga Khan University, corresponding author), Unab I Khan (0000-0002-7002-1726, Aga Khan University, corresponding author)
EditorsIkechi G Okpechi (0000-0002-6545-9715)
Year2025
Volume5
Issue9
Pagese0005140
Publication date2025-09-09
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePLOS Global Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2767-3375 • E-ISSN: 2767-3375
PublisherPublic Library of Science (PLoS) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1371/journal.pgph.0005140
PMID40924693
OpenAlexW4414084496
LanguageEN
References cited37

The objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of cardiometabolic multimorbidity and symptoms of common mental disorders, including depression, anxiety, and stress, and association between the two, in primary care clinics for low-income, urban population in Karachi, Pakistan. We performed a descriptive cross-sectional study at two primary healthcare clinics, catering predominantly to low-income families in Karachi. Adults, aged 30 years and above, coming to the two clinics for acute illnesses or for regular follow-up of chronic conditions were recruited. We used convenience sampling to include participants who consented. We excluded pregnant women and individuals presenting with severe acute symptoms. Of the 496 participants, 406 (82%) were women. Cardiometabolic multimorbidity was present in 231 (47%) participants, with diabetes in 297 (60%) and hypertension in 259 (52%) being the most common cardiometabolic conditions. Anxiety, stress, and depression affected 462 (93%), 387 (78%), and 335 (67%) participants, respectively, being higher in women. Only a small percentage of individuals were referred to mental health services (13% at site-1 and 16% at site-2). The study did not find a significant positive association between cardiometabolic multimorbidity and symptoms of common mental disorders. This study highlights the high prevalence of cardiometabolic multimorbidity and symptoms of common mental disorders in a low-income urban population visiting primary care clinics in Pakistan. To better understand the true prevalence of cardiometabolic multimorbidity and its association with mental disorders, future community-based prospective studies with representative population are recommended

Comorbidity · Cross-sectional study · Mental health · Mental illness · Multimorbidity · Population · Primary care · Primary health care · Cardiac Health and Mental Health · Chronic Disease Management Strategies · Health disparities and outcomes

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