Depressive Symptoms in Patients with Cancer

Abstract

The purpose of this survey was to investigate depressive symptoms in cancer patients and the differences based on gender, quality of life and social support. Sixty-eight patients diagnosed with cancer participated in the research, with ages varying between 25 and 83 years (A = 55.4; SD = 13.3) and 85.3% were female. The instruments used were Identification Questionnaire, Perceived Social Support Scale—adult version (EPSUS-A), Medical Outcomes Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Baptista Depression Scale Hospital—clinic version (EBADEP-HOSP-AMB). It was verified that most of the patients reported not having depression diagnosis before the cancer, nor in the current moment, besides not using anti-depressive medication. The scores obtained in the EBADEP-HOSP-AMB suggest light depressive symptoms. It is concluded that the depressive symptoms were mostly presented in women, in patients with worse mental health condition and in those less satisfied with the social support.