Syrian migrants with brain metastasis patients: Quality of life and anxiety before radiotherapy, depression before and after radiotherapy and the effect on familial relatives

Abstract

In this study, our aim is to evaluate the quality of life, depression and anxiety of the Syrian patients who have brain metastasis and their relatives before starting radiotherapy and to correlate their depression and anxiety after radiotherapy. Brain metastases are frequently considered the last stage in many cancers. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30, Beck Depression Inventory, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory I-II test questionnaires were administered upon the arrival of 51 Syrian immigrant patients with brain metastases and their relatives to a radiotherapy clinic. Beck Depression Inventory, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaires II were administered after radiotherapy. Beck Depression Inventory performed before and after radiotherapy in patients and their relatives and Beck Depression Inventory analysis was significant (p<0.001). State-Trait Anxiety Inventory II analysis performed before and after RT in patients and their relatives was significant (p<0.001). According to the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory II, high-anxiety situations occurred before radiotherapy, which we considered a continuum anxiety state, and increased in patients and their relatives after radiotherapy. According to the Beck Depression Inventory, depression decreased in patients’ relatives after radiotherapy and increased in patients. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory II scores after radiotherapy were high in patients and their relatives. This study was the first to evaluate the quality of life, socioeconomic status, depression, anxiety state and continuity of Syrian patients with brain metastases and their relatives. Therefore, we conclude that Syrian immigrants with brain metastases experience continued anxiety.