Person-centred counselling to ameliorate symptoms of psychological distress among South African patients living with hypertension and diabetes: Results of an intervention study

Abstract

Background: Previous research, internationally and in South Africa, suggests that symptoms of depression and anxiety are prevalent among patients living with a chronic illness. Very few behavioural interventions have shown to be effective in ameliorating such symptoms among patients attending public health clinics in South Africa. In this study, a five-session counselling programme was tested to ameliorate symptoms of depression and anxiety in clinic patients living with diabetes and hypertension in the Western Cape, South Africa.