It was concluded that a substantial number of cancer patients are experiencing serious psychological problems regardless of age, gender and level of education, and therefore, providing psychological support through counselling, psychotherapy, and psychiatric treatment is essential for cancer patients to enhance their mental health and overall quality of life.
Abstract
Cancer, which is a serious health problem globally today, has become a leading cause of death, and it diminishes the psychological well-being and quality of life of patients as well as their families. Even though medical treatments focus on the cancer, there is little concern for identifying the psychological issues and providing psychological support to cancer-diagnosed patients. This study aimed to assess the psychological distress and identify related psychological problems among cancer patients while highlighting the significance of psychological support for them. The study employed quantitative methods, and the sample comprised 60 diagnosed cancer patients from the North Central Province of Sri Lanka who were receiving medical treatment and residing at the Cancer Care Hospice and Teaching Hospital in Anuradhapura. Data were collected using the GHQ-30 Sinhala version and statistically analysed using IBM SPSS version 25. The study found that a significant majority of the cancer patients in the selected sample suffered from psychological distress, including associated factors such as depression, loss of confidence, insomnia, social dysfunction, and anxiety. It was concluded that a substantial number of cancer patients are experiencing serious psychological problems regardless of age, gender and level of education, and therefore, providing psychological support through counselling, psychotherapy, and psychiatric treatment is essential for cancer patients to enhance their mental health and overall quality of life.
Cancer continues to be a major public health concern and one of the world's top causes of
morbidity and mortality. This study investigated the role of psychological distress and self
esteem among cancer patients in Benue North Senatorial District, Nigeria. The aim of the
study was to determine if depression, social dysfunction, anxiety, and self-esteem predict
quality of life among patients with cancer in Benue South West Senatorial District. Purposive
sampling technique was used to select three hundred and thirty-four (334) patients with
cancers to participate in the study. Three instruments were used: World Health Organization
Quality of Life scale (WHOQOL-Brief), Rosenberg self-esteem scale, and General Health
Questionnaire-12. Data were analysed using simple and multiple linear regressions. Results
showed depression negatively predicts on quality of life among cancer patients in Benue
North-West Senatorial District [R=.456; R2 = 216, F (df =1. 328) = 90.450, t= 343.015;
P<.01]. Also, anxiety negatively predicts quality of life among cancer patients in Benue
North-West Senatorial District [R=.404; R2 =.163, F (df=1. 328) = 64.066; t= -197.746;
P<.01. In addition, the result also indicated that social dysfunction negatively predicts
quality of life among cancer patients in Benue North-West Senatorial District [ R=.506, R2 =
256, F (df=1. 328) =113.089, t= -378.038; P<.01. It was similarly found that self-esteem
predicts quality of life among cancer patients in Benue North-West Senatorial District
[R=.462, R2 =.213, F (df=1. 328) =88.995, t= 141.835; P<.01. The study recommended that
hospitals and oncology centres within Benue North-West Senatorial District of Benue State,
Nigeria should incorporate regular psychological screening among cancer patients for early
identification and treatment of psychological distress, particularly depression, social
dysfunction, anxiety and self-esteem. In addition, Interventions aimed at improving social
functioning and strengthening social support systems are essential for enhancing the quality
of life of cancer patients. Family members, support groups, religious organizations, and
healthcare providers should encourage social inclusion, emotional support, and active
engagement of cancer patients in meaningful social relationships.
R. Tachin· INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOC...· 0 citations
The substantial burden of psychosocial vulnerability among newly diagnosed cancer patients is highlighted, with more than half experiencing moderate-to-severe psychological distress, and the urgent need to integrate psychosocial care with physical health care in oncology is underscored.
A. D. Dubiwak, Mulualem Tadesse, T. Belachew et al.· Scientific Reports· 0 citations
Background: Cancer is a major global health problem and is frequently associated with anxiety and depression that remain unrecognized and adversely affecting treatment outcome. So, the present study aims to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression among cancer patients. Methods: A hospital-based mixed-method cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 adult cancer patients attending the Oncology Department of a tertiary care hospital in Bhopal for 01 year. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to collect quantitative data and in - depth interview for qualitative data. Chi square test was applied to test the association between quantitative variables and thematic analysis for qualitative data. Results: The mean age of participants was predominantly above 40 years, with males constituting 53.3%. Breast cancer (23.3%) was commonly reported cancer. The prevalence of anxiety and depression was 37% and 29%, respectively. Anxiety showed a significant association with gender (p=0.032) and cancer stage (p=0.002), while depression was significantly associated with marital status (p=0.049), socioeconomic status (p=0.033), and cancer stage (p=0.022). A strong positive correlation was observed between anxiety and depression scores (r=0.8524). Qualitative analysis showed varied perception, financial insecurity and social stigma. Conclusion: A substantial proportion of cancer patients experienced anxiety and depression, particularly those with advanced-stage disease. Participaants commonly reported fear, hopelessness, financial insecurity, social withdrawal, and concerns regarding the future. It highlights the need for routine mental health screening as a part of comprehensive cancer care.
G. Namdev, Soumya Gupta, Monesh Verma et al.· Healthline· 0 citations
Psychological well-being plays a crucial role in the recovery and quality of life of women diagnosed with breast cancer. Understanding the factors influencing well-being is essential for developing effective psychosocial interventions. This study aims to evaluate the association of several factors with the psychological well-being of women with cancer. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed at Jenderal Ahmad Yani Regional Public Hospital, Metro, in May 2024. A total of 73 respondents were selected through convenience sampling from a population of 273 patients. Data were collected using the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (Cronbach’s α = 0.791) and Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale (Cronbach’s α = 0.805). Data were analyzed using Chi-square tests and logistic regression with a significance level of p < 0.05. Chi-square analysis showed that cancer stage (p = 0.003), mastectomy status (p = 0.006), and health locus of control (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with psychological well-being. Logistic regression identified mastectomy and health locus of control as significant predictors. Women who underwent mastectomy were more likely to experience lower psychological well-being (OR = 4.34; p = 0.050), while those with a high health locus of control were more likely to report better well-being (OR = 0.021; p < 0.001). Psychological well-being in women with breast cancer is strongly influenced by health locus of control and mastectomy experience. Enhancing patients’ internal control beliefs and providing targeted psychosocial support, particularly for post-mastectomy patients, may improve psychological adaptation and overall quality of life.
Riska Hediya Putri, Rini Palupi, Feri Kameliawati et al.· Journal of Health and Nutrit...· 0 citations
Childhood cancer significantly impacts the mental health and overall well-being of children and adolescents. Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, are common among these children. These conditions can lead to long-term consequences, including poor psychosocial functioning, an increased risk of substance misuse, and chronic mental and physical health problems. This study assesses the prevalence of anxiety and depression, along with associated factors, among children and adolescents undergoing treatment for cancer at a tertiary center in Ethiopia in 2024. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving 206 consecutively selected children and adolescents. Data were collected from March 1 to May 13, 2024. Anxiety and depression were screened using the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale. A consecutive sampling technique was employed. The Kobo Toolbox was used to collect data, which were then exported to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26.0 for analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with anxiety and depression, with statistical significance declared at P < .05. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to determine the presence and strength of associations. A total of 203 respondents participated in this study, resulting in a response rate of 98.6%. The overall prevalence of depression and anxiety was 39.4% (95% CI: 33–46%) and 45.3% (95% CI: 38–52%), respectively. Significant associations with depression were found for the following factors: age (13–18; adjusted odd ratio [AOR] = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.29–5.32), hospitalization duration >4 weeks (AOR = 3.31, 95% CI: 1.23–8.88), and illness duration exceeding 24 months (AOR = 3.22, 95% CI: 1.06–9.73). In addition, corticosteroid medication (AOR = 3.69, 95% CI: 1.21–11.22), comorbid illness (AOR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.26–6.25), and severe pain (AOR = 3.69, 95% CI: 1.21–11.21) were significantly associated with anxiety. The prevalence of anxiety and depression among children and adolescents undergoing treatment for cancer is high. Therefore, early screening and intervention are necessary, particularly for those aged 13 to 18, those hospitalized for more than 4 weeks, those with illness durations exceeding 24 months, and those experiencing comorbid illnesses, severe pain, or receiving corticosteroid medication.
Misikir Tesfaye Dirre, Elias Tesfaye, Alemayehu Negash Torba et al.· Medicine· 0 citations
Increase in cancer incidences, morbidity and complications of cancer poses serious problemsfor India. It is reported that in an Indian context, the socio-demographic variables of patientand his family play significant role in all aspect of patient life, experience of suffering,caregiver burden, coping etc. Due to delayed diagnosis, financial problems and poor mentalhealth in patients with cancer, their quality of life is getting diminished with less socialcontact among patients. The objectives of the present study were to assess the Quality of Life(QOL) among people with cancer, to identify the relation between selected sociodemographicvariables and Quality of Life among people with cancer. Descriptive researchdesign was employed, and Study was conducted in an urban oncology center atTiruchirappalli, TamilNadu. Census techniques were adopted and all the eligible cancerpatients attending the center were recruited. Data were collected using WHOQOL 1995, andsemi structured interview schedule. Data was analyzed using Descriptive and inferentialstatistics like independent t test, chi-square test and one-way ANOVA. Majority of therespondents experience poor QOL in physical domain (60%), Psychological domain (56%),Distress-related domain (60%), Spiritual domain (54%). Ages, Number of children showedsignificant relationship with the Quality of Life among people with cancer.
S. Rajeswari, K. Maheswari· THE SCIENTIFIC TEMPER· 0 citations
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