Depression and quality of life among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Abstract

Background. Cancer is a leading cause of death globally and in Indonesia. Cancer itself and the treatment often cause physical and psychological changes that affect patients' quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to determine the level of depression and QoL in cancer patients. Material and methods. This cross-sectional study involved 94 respondents who had chemotherapy in a public hospital in Indonesia. The study was conducted from January to April 2018. The depression level was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI II) while patients' QoL was measured using the EORTC QLQ-C30. Data were analysis using Pearson correlation. Results. The present study found that the mean score of depression was 8.65 ± 6.53, which reflected their normal condition. The global QoL for patients with cancer in this study was high. The levels of depression and QoL in the study were contrary to previous studies. Fatigue and pain were the top two highest scores in the symptom scales. The study indicates moderate negative correlation between global QoL and depression. There is a need to develop intervention and management of patients undergoing chemotherapy to maintain patients' QoL and psychological aspects of care.