Korean J Psychosom Med.  2013 Dec;21(2):122-131.

Point Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression among Cancer Inpatients in a General Hospital: A Preliminary Study for the Development of Distress Management Strategies in Cancer Patients

• Lee MA
• Huh HJ
• Min JA
• Lee CU
• Lee C
• Kim TS

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to examine the point prevalence of anxiety, depression and the associated risk factors in hospitalized patients with cancer.
METHODS
A total of 114 patients with cancer who admitted to the Cancer Center in St. Mary's Hospital were enrolled for a day. The patients were asked to complete Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS). Sociodemographic and cancer related clinical variables were also evaluated.
RESULTS
The point prevalence of anxiety and depression was 10.5% and 34.2%, respectively, as assessed with HADS. Logistic regression models revealed that distant metastasis was significantly associated with anxiety in patients with cancer and previous chemotherapy and Low socioeconomic status were significantly associated with depression.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicate that more than one third of patients with cancer suffer from either anxiety or depression. In addition, previous chemotherapy as well as low socioeconomic status and distant metastasis were associated risk factors of anxiety and depression, respectively. These findings suggest the need for screening and systematized psychosocial intervention for psychological distress in hospitalized patients with cancer.

Keyword

Cancer; Anxiety; Depression; Distress; Point prevalence

MeSH Terms

Anxiety*
Depression*
Drug Therapy
Hospitals, General*
Humans
Inpatients*
Logistic Models
Mass Screening
Neoplasm Metastasis
Prevalence*
Risk Factors
Social Class