Assessment of Depression among Cancer Patients in Babylon City

Abstract

Background: depression is the most psychological distress experienced by patients with cancer and are associated with poorer treatment outcome, increased periods of hospitalization and higher mortality rates.

Objective: To assess the level of depression in patients with different types of cancer and identify the relationship between depression level with some Sociodemographic and Clinical characteristics.

Methodology: purposive (non- probability) sample of 100 cases selected of cancer patients in Merjan medical city /Babylon oncology center. The data collected in January 2nd 2015 to February 28th 2015. A structured interviewing questionnaire constructed with cancer patients through using the depression scales. The data analyzed by using descriptive statistical measures and inferential statistical measures.

Results: Most of cancer patients have severe levels of depression (70%).Most of them were (46-60) age group, females, married, illiterate, lived in the urban and they were housewives. Most of the sample complaining in breast cancer, all of them under surgical and chemotherapy and other types of treatment .

Conclusion: The study concluded that most of cancer patients have depression.

Recommendations: Improving the psychological and emotional status for cancer patients of all types by nursing staff, especially after taking chemotherapy treatment. Also coordination between oncology center and the Department of Psychiatry in the hospital to reduce depression level. And educate all government institutions to conduct periodic tests for early detection of cancer, especially breast cancer to reduce spread.