Open AccessPsychological Comorbidity of Breast Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study from Pakistan
Author(s) -
Prof. Dr. Anila Amber Malik Tayyeba Kiran
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
pakistan journal of international affairs
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2664-360X
pISSN - 2523-1693
DOI - 10.52337/pjia.v4i2.185
Subject(s) - breast cancer , anxiety , psychosocial , medicine , suicidal ideation , comorbidity , psychiatry , patient health questionnaire , depression (economics) , cross sectional study , mental health , clinical psychology , cancer , poison control , suicide prevention , environmental health , depressive symptoms , pathology , economics , macroeconomics
Background: Psychological comorbidity of breast cancer is a serious global health problem that inflicts huge economic and societal costs to patients themselves, families, as well as healthcare systems. The aim this study was to estimate the prevalence of common mental disorders (anxiety and depression) in breast cancer patients.
Methods: The present study is cross sectional study that was a secondary analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial in Pakistan. A total of 402 breast cancer patients were recruited from both public and private hospitals in Karachi Pakistan. Patients were assessed for depression using the structured questionnaire “Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)” and anxiety using the “Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7)”.
Findings: Participants’ mean age was 38.9 years, majority had no formal education (77.4%). Their mean duration of breast cancer illness was 28.9 months. A large percentage of the study sample was found to be anxious (59.7%), depressed (69.4%) and had suicidal ideation (47.5%). Conclusion: High prevalence of anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation in breast cancer patients highlights the vital role of carrying out regular psychosocial assessments and offering the necessary, culturally relevant support to these patients.