Psychological impact among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in Bundelkhand region, Central India

Background: A cancer diagnosis can have a significant impact on mental health and wellbeing. Cancer is the second most common cause of death after heart diseases and it accounted for 9.6 million deaths worldwide in 2018. Various individual psychosocial and contextual factors potentially contribute to the development of anxiety and depression among people with cancer. In comparison with general people, the prevalence of anxiety and depression is frequently found to be higher among cancer patient, but estimates vary due to various factors, such as the type of cancer, treatment setting, and prognosis of disease. The present study was conducted to find out the estimate of depression in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and determine the various factors associated with depression.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at Department of Oncology, Government Bundelkhand Medical College and Hospital, Sagar from January to April 2019. 150 participants were interviewed using predesigned questionnaire based on the Beck’s depression inventory.Results: Out of 150 cancer patients, 83 (55.3%) were found to be depressed. Depression was comparatively higher in patients’ ≥50 years; in males. Among the study patients, 83 (55.33%) had depression of which 21 (25.3%) had borderline clinical depression, 54 (65.06%) had moderate depression and 08 (9.6%) had severe depression.Conclusions: The study revealed depression in majority of patients receiving chemotherapy. Treatment of cancer patients need to be complemented by psychological support. Research is urgently needed into the possible impacts of long term effects of cancer treatment on mental health