Background: The psychological effects of cancer are well known, both the initial shock of diagnosis and the subsequent treatment. By identifying the prevalence of anxiety and/or depression and understanding their risk factors and predictors, physicians will be able to identify better which patients will benefit from preemptive intervention. This study was aimed at assessing the anxiety and depression among palliative care cancer patients in Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: This is a quantitative, cross-sectional study. Data were acquired via a self-administered questionnaire, distributed to the 172 patients resident or individuals frequently using King Khaled University Hospital oncology services while also qualifying as palliative care patients between May 2019 and April 2020. Study data included age, gender, and cancer type, as well as generalized anxiety disorder screener 7 and patient health questionnaire 9 patient scores.
Results: The prevalence rate of depression was found to be 33.7% and anxiety 20.9%. The woman had a higher prevalence rate for both conditions. Of cancer types, gastrointestinal tract malignancy followed by breast cancer were found most related to increase the prevalence of depression and/or anxiety in patients.
Conclusion: Although anxiety and depression are near-ubiquitous in older people living with cancer, the levels seem to be in the mild-low region of intensity. Closer monitoring of female patients should be observed as evidence suggests they have a higher propensity to develop depression and anxieties.
Key words: Depression, anxiety, oncology, palliative care patients, Saudi Arabia.
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