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Depression and anxiety in patients with hematological malignancies, prevalence, and associated factors
Khadega A Abuelgasim1, Gasmelseed Y Ahmed, Jamilah A Alqahtani
1Department of Oncology, King Abdulaziz Medical City National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. E-mail. ahmedkh1@ngha.med.sa.
Insights
Depression and anxiety affect nearly half of hematological cancer patients. Early screening and intervention are crucial for improving both psychological well-being and disease outcomes in these individuals.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Psychiatry
- Hematology
Background:
- Hematological cancers (HC) represent a significant patient population with potential psychological distress.
- Understanding the prevalence of mental health conditions in HC patients is vital for comprehensive care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety among patients with hematological cancers.
- To identify factors associated with depression and anxiety in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 211 hematological cancer patients at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) between March 2014 and June 2015.
- Validated questionnaires, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, were used in face-to-face interviews.
- Patients with pre-existing depression or generalized anxiety disorder were excluded from the study.
Main Results:
- Depression was identified in 46.5% of participants, and anxiety was detected in 22.3%.
- 18.1% of patients experienced both concurrent anxiety and depression.
- Multiple co-morbidities and a tense home atmosphere were significant predictors of anxiety and depression; however, gender, smoking, income, and active therapy status showed no association.
Conclusions:
- Depression and anxiety are highly prevalent in hematological cancer patients at KAMC.
- Healthcare providers should implement routine screening for depression and anxiety in HC patients.
- Early intervention for these conditions may improve patient outcomes and enhance psychological well-being.
Objectives:
To study the prevalence and associated factors of depression and anxiety in hematological cancers (HC) patients.
Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional survey in all HC patients at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between March 2014 and June 2015. We excluded patients with depression, or generalized anxiety disorder. We conducted a structured face to face interview using an internally developed and validated questionnaire (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 patient's questionnaire with all participants).
Results:
Among 211 participants, depression was detected in 98 (46.5%) and anxiety was detected in 47 (22.3%). Thirty-eight (18.1%) had concurrent anxiety and depression. Multiple co-morbidities and tense home atmosphere were predictive for anxiety and depression. We found no association between gender, smoking, income, or being on active therapy and depression or anxiety.
Conclusions:
Depression and anxiety are highly prevalent in HC patients in KAMC. Health care providers should screen HC cancers for depression and anxiety; as early intervention possibly improve their disease outcome and will likely enhance their psychological wellbeing.
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