Prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms and their determinant factors among patients with cancer

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a growing public health issue across the world, but the mental health consequences in this setting have not been well-characterized. Literature from several countries clearly confirms that patients with cancer have higher rates of depression and anxiety than the general population and results in greater morbidity and poorer cancer related outcomes. In India, even though there were studies done for assessment of depression and anxiety among cancer patients, studies to determine the specific factors associated with prevalence of anxiety and depression in cancer patients were not satisfactory. Therefore, we have conducted the following study to assess the prevalence of depression and anxiety and also determine the factors that contribute to the same in cancer patients. OBJECTIVES: Primary objective: Estimation of prevalence of depression among cancer patients. Secondary objectives: a). Estimation of prevalence of anxiety among cancer patients. b). Association between socio-demographic and clinical variables with depression and anxiety.