Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Colorectal Cancer Undergoing Ileostomy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Psychology
• Surgical Nursing

Background:

• Colorectal cancer patients undergoing ileostomy surgery face significant psychological distress.
• Anxiety and depression are common but often under-addressed challenges impacting quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To longitudinally explore anxiety and depression levels in colorectal cancer patients before and after ileostomy surgery.
• To assess the persistence of these mental health issues post-stoma closure.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study involving 96 newly diagnosed colorectal cancer patients undergoing ileostomy.
• The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was administered at three time points: preoperatively, 12-14 days postoperatively, and approximately one year post-stoma closure.
• Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 with significance set at p < 0.05.

Main Results:

• Moderate anxiety levels increased from 15.6% preoperatively to 27.1% postoperatively and 28.1% after stoma closure (p < 0.001).
• High anxiety levels rose from 13.5% preoperatively to 17.7% postoperatively (p = 0.016).
• Depression significantly increased postoperatively, with low depression decreasing from 84.4% to 56.3% (Time 2) and 39.6% (Time 3), while moderate and high depression levels rose substantially.

Conclusions:

• Anxiety and depression escalate significantly following ileostomy surgery in colorectal cancer patients.
• These psychological challenges remain elevated even after stoma closure, underscoring the need for ongoing mental health support.
• Early identification and management of anxiety and depression are critical components of holistic cancer care.