Depression among Cancer Patients: Risk Factors and Coping Mechanism

Authors

  • Aaqib Shahzad Alvi
  • Ibad Ullah Sajid
  • Muhammad Ashraf
  • Muhammad Ali Tarar
  • Hira Bilal

Abstract

Objective: To gauge the prevalence of depression and; identify the potential risk factors as well as coping strategies among cancer patients.

Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted during from March-2018 to November-2018 at Clinical Oncology Department, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology Lahore (INMOL) Lahore. The purposive sampling technique was used and interviewed 118 sampled cancer patients. Interview schedule, depression Scale and coping scales were used as instrument to collect data. Depression items, age, economic status, family support, duration of cancer, stage of cancer and coping strategies were the variables of the study.

Results: The results of the study indicated that 16% respondents had low level of depression, 72% medium while 12% had high level of depression. In case of coping mechanism, majority of respondents adopted cognitive restriction, emotional expression, information seeking, self-blame, Wish Fulfilling Fantasy, and threat minimization as coping styles. All the predictor variables including age, economic status, family support, and duration of cancer were found significantly associated with depression. The results of correlation analysis indicated a negative association between depression and coping strategies.

Conclusion: Considering the diverse effect of depression and repeated use of various coping strategies, comprehensive steps are needed to screening and counseling of cancer patients that will be effective for their mental wellbeing.

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Published

2022-04-11

How to Cite

1.
Alvi AS, Sajid IU, Ashraf M, Tarar MA, Bilal H. Depression among Cancer Patients: Risk Factors and Coping Mechanism. J Liaq Uni Med Health Sci [Internet]. 2022 Apr. 11 [cited 2024 Apr. 20];21(01):27-32. Available from: http://ojs.lumhs.edu.pk/index.php/jlumhs/article/view/430

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 01 (2022): Journal of Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences

Section

Original Articles

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