Depression and Coping Strategies Among Palliative Care Patients in a Tertiary Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan

Depression is a common yet under-recognized condition among palliative care patients, often affecting their psychological well-being and quality of life. Coping strategies used by these patients may influence their mental health outcomes and overall adaptation to illness.

To assess the presence of depression and identify coping strategies among palliative care patients attending a tertiary teaching hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

This cross-sectional study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, over six months (June to December 2023). A total of 81 adult patients receiving palliative care for at least one month were enrolled in the study. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, while coping strategies were evaluated using the Brief COPE Inventory. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied using SPSS v. 21.

Depression was present in majority of participants, with 30% showing minimal, 18% mild, 19% moderate, 22% moderately severe, and 11% severe symptoms. The coping styles used were problem-focused (2.65 ± 0.65), emotion-focused (2.18 ± 0.32), and avoidant coping (1.74 ± 0.34). Female participants were more likely to employ emotion-focused coping compared to male participants (p = 0.012). A weak inverse correlation was observed between education level and depression severity (r = -0.213, p = 0.056).

Depression is highly prevalent among palliative care patients in this context. Most patients adopt adaptive coping strategies, particularly emotional support and religious coping. These findings highlight the need for integrated psychological care as a routine component of palliative treatment.