Prevalence and correlates of anxiety and depression among cancer patients in the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

• Main Authors: Firnus Berihun (Author), Sisay Haile (Author), Mastewal Abawa (Author), Missaye Mulatie (Author), Alemayehu Shimeka (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Archives of Depression and Anxiety - Peertechz Publications, 2017-09-18.
• Subjects: Research Article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

<p><strong>Background: </strong>Depression and anxiety are two of the most commonly experienced psychological disorders of cancer patients. They are associated with unique psychophysiological side effects that importantly encompass poorer treatment outcomes, increased periods of hospitalization and higher mortality rates. This problem was not well studied in Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of anxiety, depression and associated factors among cancer patients in Gondar University Hospital.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> A cross-sectional study was conducted among cancer patients in Gondar University Hospital from January to June 2016. In this study, all cancer patients who were admitted to the hospital were taken. An interviewer-administered questionnaire containing socio-demographic and clinical variables, and Hospital Anxiety and depression scale and General Health Questionnaire were employed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Association of variables with anxiety and depression was reported with chi-square and p-value.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> A total of 77 cancer patients were included in this study. The prevalence of anxiety and depression were 51.00% and 58.44%, respectively. Sex, educational level, residence, and monthly income had a significant association with anxiety and depression among cancer patients.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Anxiety and depression were prevalent among cancer patients. Sex, educational status of the patients, residence, and monthly income were found to be associated with anxiety and depression. Psychological interventions targeting females, less educated patients, rural residents, and patients with lower level of monthly income may lessen their anxiety and depression burdens, in turn, to improve their survival apart from their somatic illness.</p>