Assessment of Anxiety and Depression Levels Among Cancer Patients in A Selected Hospital of Kashmir

Cancer is a serious life threatening disease in current days. It has biological, Psychological and sociological impact on individuals life. People living with this deadly disease often suffer from the Psychological abnormalities. Anxiety and depression are common Psychological responses among cancer patients. Anxiety and depression affects the quality of life of cancer patients. Addressing anxiety and depression is very essential for cancer patients to improve their quality of life and treatment outcomes. Aim:-Determine the prevalence and severity of anxiety and sadness among cancer patients and to identify factors associated with higher levels of these emotional states. Materials and Methods:-Present study was conducted among 90 cancer patients in selected hospital of Kashmir (GMC Srinagar) .The sample for the present Study was selected by convenient sampling technique. A standardized tool HADS and PHQ-9 were used to assess the level of anxiety and depression among cancer patients. The data obtained was analyzed and interpreted in terms of the Objectives. Results: - By using the HADS scale the present study revealed that 75.6% (68) patients were having high prevalence of abnormal anxiety levels,17.8% (16) was having borderline abnormal anxiety level ,6.7% (6) are normal. The current present study also showed that there is a significant association between the age groups and anxiety level .Anxiety levels vary significantly across age groups (p=0.029).Older Participants (above 35 years) have higher levels of anxiety compared to younger groups. Also anxiety levels are significantly associated with marital status (P=0.020) .Married individuals tend to have higher anxiety levels compared to unmarried individuals. By using the patient health questionnaire, the present Study revealed that 14.4%(13) was having severe depression, 54.4% (49) was having moderately severe depression, 30.0% (27) was having moderate depression, 1.1% (1) was suffering from mild depression, and 0.0%(0) was having minimal depression .The Study also revealed that there is a significant association between marital status and depression levels (p = 0.041). Married participants show higher levels of severe and moderately severe depression compared to unmarried individuals. Conclusion:- On the basis of our results we concluded that cancer patients have higher levels of anxiety and depression and there is a need for effective Psychological interventions and mental health support to prevent anxiety and depression among cancer patients.