biostudies-literatureSchreiber Mu.s. food and drug administrationNCRR NIH HHSClinical and Translational Research Institute17534666251396240https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12640448biostudies-literatureUnknown19<h4>Background</h4>Nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) is a chronic lung infection associated with persistent respiratory symptoms and diminished health-related quality of life (HRQoL). As with other chronic conditions, increased levels of anxiety and depression can impact prognosis and HRQoL.<h4>Objectives</h4>To describe the prevalence of anxiety and depression and to identify HRQoL domains that are correlated with mental health in patients with NTM-PD.<h4>Design</h4>A cross-sectional observational study of adults with self-reported or clinically confirmed NTM-PD.<h4>Methods</h4>Participants with NTM-PD enrolled in two studies (<i>n</i> = 40 interview + surveys and <i>n</i> = 230 completing electronic surveys only) at four U.S. sites. Inclusion criteria were age >18 years, English-speaking, and U.S. residence. In-person enrolled participants met ATS/IDSA criteria and had symptom documentation in medical records; remotely enrolled participants self-reported NTM-PD and symptoms. Data collected included demographics, GAD-7 and PHQ-8 (anxiety and depression screening, respectively), QOL-B Respiratory Symptoms Scale (RSS), selected PROMIS short forms (Fatigue 7a, Cognitive Function 6a, Sleep Disturbance 4a), and Patient Global Impression of Severity of NTM-PD symptoms (PGIS). Interview-only participants completed the GAD-7, PHQ-8, QOL-B RSS, and were evaluated for cognitive functioning using the computerized Symbol Digit Modalities Test (oral version).<h4>Results</h4>The study population was predominantly female (57%/91% in the interview/survey studies, respectively) and aged >65 years (50%/77.4%). Overall, 18%/14% screened positive for anxiety and 32%/18% for depression. Participants screening positive for anxiety or depression had significantly lower QOL-B RSS, cognitive function, and sleep scores, and higher fatigue. Fatigue showed the strongest correlation with mental health outcomes, particularly with those screening positive for depression (<i>ρ</i> = 0.644, <i>p</i> < 0.05).<h4>Conclusion</h4>Mental health symptoms are strongly correlated with worse HRQoL outcomes in NTM-PD. These findings underscore the need for the implementation of routine mental health screening and interventions in NTM-PD care.Therapeutic advances in respiratory diseaseThe association between mental health, cognitive functioning, and health-related quality of life in adults with chronic nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease.PMC1264044875F40121C001201 UL1 RR024140 01UL1 RR024140Quittner ALSchreiber MHenkle EfalseThe association between mental health, cognitive functioning, and health-related quality of life in adults with chronic nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease.<h4>Background</h4>Nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) is a chronic lung infection associated with persistent respiratory symptoms and diminished health-related quality of life (HRQoL). As with other chronic conditions, increased levels of anxiety and depression can impact prognosis and HRQoL.<h4>Objectives</h4>To describe the prevalence of anxiety and depression and to identify HRQoL domains that are correlated with mental health in patients with NTM-PD.<h4>Design</h4>A cross-sectional observational study of adults with self-reported or clinically confirmed NTM-PD.<h4>Methods</h4>Participants with NTM-PD enrolled in two studies (<i>n</i> = 40 interview + surveys and <i>n</i> = 230 completing electronic surveys only) at four U.S. sites. Inclusion criteria were age >18 years, English-speaking, and U.S. residence. In-person enrolled participants met ATS/IDSA criteria and had symptom documentation in medical records; remotely enrolled participants self-reported NTM-PD and symptoms. Data collected included demographics, GAD-7 and PHQ-8 (anxiety and depression screening, respectively), QOL-B Respiratory Symptoms Scale (RSS), selected PROMIS short forms (Fatigue 7a, Cognitive Function 6a, Sleep Disturbance 4a), and Patient Global Impression of Severity of NTM-PD symptoms (PGIS). Interview-only participants completed the GAD-7, PHQ-8, QOL-B RSS, and were evaluated for cognitive functioning using the computerized Symbol Digit Modalities Test (oral version).<h4>Results</h4>The study population was predominantly female (57%/91% in the interview/survey studies, respectively) and aged >65 years (50%/77.4%). Overall, 18%/14% screened positive for anxiety and 32%/18% for depression. Participants screening positive for anxiety or depression had significantly lower QOL-B RSS, cognitive function, and sleep scores, and higher fatigue. Fatigue showed the strongest correlation with mental health outcomes, particularly with those screening positive for depression (<i>ρ</i> = 0.644, <i>p</i> < 0.05).<h4>Conclusion</h4>Mental health symptoms are strongly correlated with worse HRQoL outcomes in NTM-PD. These findings underscore the need for the implementation of routine mental health screening and interventions in NTM-PD care.2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Jan-Dec2026-06-06T13:29:59.59Z2026-05-31T03:07:34.357ZS-EPMC126404484127310210.1177/17534666251396240