Evaluation of current physical symptoms and psychological sufferings of patients during attending department of palliative medicine in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Empirical evidence indicates that anxiety and depression in cancer patients are often overlooked, leading to insufficient assistance for their psychosocial needs. Distinguishing between clinical anxiety and depression and the typical emotional distress post-cancer diagnosis can be challenging but holds significant implications for coping strategies and outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess current physical symptoms and psychological sufferings of patients’ during attending in a Palliative care department of a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This cross‐sectional study was conducted among 191 patients with cancer attending the department of palliative medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from November 2021 and March 2022. Data was collected by face‐to‐face interview using a structured questionnaire. Depression and anxiety were evaluated using a modified version of the primary care evaluation of mental disorders guide. Results: 47 participants (20.7% prevalence of depressive disorders and 13.9% prevalence of anxiety disorders) met the diagnostic criteria for at least one anxiety or depressive disorder, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. The 95% confidence interval for these results was between 20.2 and 29.0. Conclusions: In summary, depression and anxiety disorders are prevalent among patients in palliative care, significantly reducing the quality of life for those facing cancer-related mortality

Liver function test (SGPT) abnormality in 319 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Bangladesh

Abstract Background Deranged liver function abnormalities are well-recognized sequela of COVID-19 infection. Globally, there are studies dedicated to evaluate spectrum of liver injury by COVID-19. In this study, we have described the impact of COVID-19 on liver function tests in 319 confirmed COVID cases in Bangladesh. Our study aimed to determine the liver function alteration by COVID-19 in our population. Methods This study included all adult inpatients (> 18 years old) with laboratory-confirmed (RT-PCR) COVID-19 from March to April, 2020 in a tertiary COVID-dedicated hospital. We assessed liver function test and categorized patients according to COVID severity. This was a single-center, retrospective, observational study. Results Among 319 patients with COVID-19, 36% had normal and 64% had abnormal liver function test. Out of this, 18% had 1–2 times, 42% had 2–3 times, and 19% had > 3 times upper limit of normal SGPT during admission. Fifty-seven (18%) patients presented with mild illness, 83 (26%) with moderate, 124 (39%) patients with severe, and 54 (17%) with critical COVID-19 during admission. Significant correlation was found between severity of COVID-19 and raised SGPT level. Conclusion More than half of patients presented during admission with abnormal liver function. COVID-19 has a significant impact on liver function derangement in this population

Coping strategy among the women with metastatic breast cancer attending a palliative care unit of a tertiary care hospital of Bangladesh.

BackgroundBreast cancer is one of the leading cancers among the Bangladeshi women. Coping helps these patients to adjust with this life-changing disease. Each individual has unique and different coping mechanism. But we know a little regarding their coping strategies. This study aims to explore the different coping strategies adopted by the women with metastatic (stage IV) breast cancer attending the palliative care unit and their relationship with the common mental health issues like anxiety and depression.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among 95 patients with metastatic (stage IV) breast cancer attending the Department of Palliative Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Bangladesh from April 2021 to September 2021. Data was collected by face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire adapted from Hospital Depression and Anxiety Scale (HADS), Brief COPE inventory and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance scale. Pearson correlation test was used to find the relationships between various domains of coping strategies and psychological variables. Correlation matrix was done to observe the internal correlation among different coping strategies. Kruskal-Wallis H test was done to find the relationship between different coping strategies and ECOG performance status.ResultThe mean age of the respondents was 48.9 ± 9.9 years. Most of them were married (94.7%), Muslim (92.6%) and homemakers (82.1%). Commonly used coping strategies by the patients were: acceptance (median 10; IQR 10), religion (median 9; IQR 8-10) and instrumental support (median 9; IQR 6-10). Significantly strong positive correlation was found between emotional and instrumental support (R = 0.7; p = 0.01), planning, acceptance and active coping (R = 0.7; p = 0.01); behavioral disengagement, self distraction and denial (R = 0.5; p = 0.01). Significantly fair negative correlation was observed between active coping and depression (R = -0.4, p ConclusionDifferent coping strategies, especially positive coping helps the patients to adapt with their disease over time. All women suffering from breast cancer should be routinely screened and assessed for psychological distress and ensure early intervention and management to promote a better quality of life