Mood status in patients with gastrointestinal tract cancer undergoing radiotherapy: A randomized cross-sectional study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE Although technique improvements have drastically reduced radiotherapy (RT) related toxicity, most patients still experience burdensome RT side effects. Studies have shown an increase in distress, anxiety, fatigue, and depression in patients undergoing radiation. Radiation-induced side effects adversely affect quality of life for cancer survivors. This study aimed to determine the mood status in patients with gastrointestinal tract cancer undergoing RT. METHODS This randomized cross-sectional study conducted on 126 patients with gastrointestinal tract cancer undergoing RT. We used a demographic form, and the Persian Version of Profile of Mood States 2nd edition questionnaire for data collection. RESULTS The mean of total mood disturbance was 77.39±15.03. The results demonstrated there is a relationship between tension-anxiety with; depression-dejection (DD), anger-hostility (AH), fatigue-inertia (FI); and confusion-bewilderment (CB) (p<0.001). In addition, there was a significant relationship between DD with AH, FI, and CB (p<0.001). There was also a significant relationship between AH with FI and CB (p<0.001). In addition, there was a statistically significant relationship between FI with CB (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Our results suggested that there is a high prevalence of mood disturbance in patients with gastrointestinal tract cancer undergoing RT. Therefore, applying strategies for improving mood are important among these patients, because it can lead to better therapeutic outcomes.