المستخلص: |
Background: Depression is the most prevalent psychological symptom among patients with cancer but may remain undiagnosed and untreated. Studies in this field in our country are scarce and inadequate, and there is no large study to evaluate different cancer types. So, we planned a survey to find out the prevalence and associated risk factors of depression among cancer patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Oncology Center in Sana'a, Yemen, one of the largest public and referral centres, and it receives all cancer patients from all of Sana'a's general hospitals. This includes all patients older than 18 years of age. BDI was used to assess the prevalence of depression and its degree among cancer. A face-to-face interview with a questionnaire was utilized that consisted of BDI items, characteristics of the illness such as duration, type and type of treatment used, and lastly, some personal characteristics that may carry potential risk factors for depression. Results: The study included a total of 360 participants, with 162 (45.0%) being male and 198 (55%) being female. The prevalence of depression among respondents was found to be 54%. Several of the personal and illness characteristics were associated with the prevalence of depression with a statistically significant (P < 0.05) value, such as education (p = 0.044), duration of cancer (p=<0.001), type of cancer (p = 0.032), and type of treatment that used for treating cancer (p =<0.001). Others might be associated but with no statistical significance (P>0.05), such as age, gender, smoking, having a job, material statues, and residents. According to (BDI) severe depression was found in individuals who are treated by combination therapy (chemotherapy + surgical + radiation) and in those who have a duration of illness of more than three years. Conclusion: A high prevalence of depression was observed among cancer patients. The higher prevalence highlights the need for awareness campaigns, social support an.
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