Nuclear Medicine & Radiation Therapy

Anxiety, Depression and their Risk Factors in Cancer Moroccan Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

ElKacemi H, Aarab J, ElMajjaousi S, Kebdani T and Benjaafar N

Purpose: To our knowledge, no study specifically assessed anxiety and depression in Moroccan cancer population undergoing radiotherapy. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with cancer prior to the first session of radiotherapy and to identify predictor factors.
Material and methods: It is a cross-sectional single center study. An interview was conducted using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.
Results: 150 patients filled the study inclusion criteria. The mean age was 54.9 ± 12.8 years, 12% of patients were in current employment. 42% of the participants had a positive family history of cancer. Out of study participants, 58% scored abnormal on the anxiety scale and 52% on the depression scale. Statistically significant predictors of anxiety and depression were similar to those reported in published studies, such as the presence of family history of cancer, received radiotherapy in family, employment status and treatment intention.
Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that a large proportion of cancer patients have psychiatric comorbidities. There is an urgent need for psychosocial support programs and psychological screening for patients diagnosed with cancer and candidate for radiation therapy.