Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms Among Patients With Cancer in Najran, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Depression and anxiety are associated with poor health consequences in patients with cancer, and these mental health issues may affect cancer treatment. They are frequently triggered by stress, and cancer is among the most stressful conditions experienced by a person. Depression and anxiety are related to several sociodemographic variables in patients with cancer. However, only a few studies have examined the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with cancer in Saudi Arabia. OBJECTIVES: To detect the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms among patients with cancer at the Najran Oncology Center in Najran, Saudi Arabia, and determine the risk factors associated with these symptoms. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1, 2023, to September 30, 2023, on a convenience sample of patients diagnosed with cancer who were receiving chemotherapy at Najran Oncology Center, King Khalid Hospital, Najran, Saudi Arabia, and who agreed to participate in the study. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used. Data on the demographic characteristics of the patients were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Moreover, medical data were collected from the medical records of the patients. RESULTS: In total, 92 patients with various cancer diagnoses were recruited in this study. Among them, 51 and 41 were women and men, respectively. Moreover, 81 were married and 11 were either single, widow, or divorced. The mean age of the participants was 51.24 ± 15.15 years. The prevalence rates of depression and anxiety were 42.4% and 23.9%, respectively. There were significant associations between depression and marital status in patients with cancer-associated pain and those with a current history of chemotherapy. Furthermore, the association between anxiety and cancer-associated pain was significant. However, marital status was not associated with anxiety. Age, sex, family history of mental disorders, cancer duration, current cancer stage, and surgical interventions were not associated with the prevalence of depression and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings underline the importance of identifying depression and anxiety in patients with cancer. Marital status, presence of pain, and current chemotherapy history were significantly associated with depression and pain with anxiety. RECOMMENDATIONS: Further studies with a higher number of patients with cancer should be conducted in Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries. Screening for depression and anxiety symptoms should be a part of the comprehensive evaluation of patients with cancer. Appropriate treatment interventions must be provided to patients with cancer who present with mental disorders.