Background: As far as we know, no studies have been conducted to identify the prevalence of anxiety and depression in Medina. Hence, the present study was aimed to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression among cancer patients in Medina. The factors influencing these psychological problems were also analyzed.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study of 50 cancer patients was conducted at King Fahad Hospital, Medina, Saudi Arabia, between November 2018 and October 2019. Patients with a history of psychiatric disorder other than depression and anxiety, those with cognitive dysfunction, and those who could not communicate in Arabic or English were excluded. We conducted a structured face-to-face clinical interview using two validated questionnaires: the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 patientÂ’s questionnaire.
Results: Among 50 participants, the anxiety and depression prevalence rates were 38% and 52%, respectively. Low educational background and low monthly income were predictive for depression. The cancer site had a significant association with anxiety.
Conclusion: Depression and anxiety were found highly prevalent in cancer patients in Medina. We suggest to screen cancer patients in health care for depression and anxiety to make reference information that could enhance patient outcomes. This information could help the healthcare worker to develop guidelines to deal with mental health as a significant issue with this disease.
Key words: Cancer, anxiety, depression, PHQ-9, GAD-7, Saudi.
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