ABSTRACT:
Depression among cancer patients is highly prevalent and common comorbidity. This study was aimed at assessing the depression among cancer patients.
Methods and Materials: This study was conducted using cross sectional, descriptive research design, at B. P. Koirala Memorial Cancer hospital and B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Nepal. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the samples - 50 cancer patients ( Cases), 100 controls. The tools used for the data collection were, 1. Semi structured proforma to collect information on socio demographic characteristics of cases and controls 2. 18 items Standardized depression Screening Quiz developed by Goldberg. Data was collected using the pretested and predetermined tools using the interview method after obtaining the informed written consent from the participants. Collected data was analyzed through appropriate descriptive statistics (Frequency, %, Mean and SD) and inferential statistics ( t test) using SPSS version 16.
Results:
Regarding level of Depression among Cancer Patients 72% of the cancer patients had some form of depression which varied in degrees. Depression scores was also higher (M 18/90, SD 4.2) in cases than controls (M 9/90, SD 2.32) which was statistically significant (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Depression is common comorbidity among cancer patients, which can be identified and treated effectively.
Cite this article:
Vijayalakshmi K. Assessment of Depression among Cancer Patients. Asian J. Nursing Education and Research. 2018; 8(1): 11-14. doi: 10.5958/2349-2996.2018.00004.6
Cite(Electronic):
Vijayalakshmi K. Assessment of Depression among Cancer Patients. Asian J. Nursing Education and Research. 2018; 8(1): 11-14. doi: 10.5958/2349-2996.2018.00004.6 Available on: https://ajner.com/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2018-8-1-4