Assessing anxiety and depression with respect to the quality of life in cancer inpatients receiving palliative care

• Radka Bužgová^a, , , 
• Darja Jarošová^a, , 
• Erika Hajnová^b, a, 

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doi:10.1016/j.ejon.2015.04.006

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Abstract

Purpose

The study aimed at assessing the presence of anxiety and depression in cancer inpatients receiving palliative care at an oncology department using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and determining whether anxiety and depression contribute to a lower quality of life controlled for pain and illness severity.

Method

This cross-sectional study comprised 225 advanced cancer inpatients (a mean age of 65.1 years). Data were collected with the HADS, EORTC QLQ-C30 and Karnofsky Performance Status scale.

Results

Anxiety (HADS-a ≥8) was found in 33.9% and depression (HADS-d ≥8) in 47.6% of patients. Higher anxiety scores were observed in patients living with a partner (p = 0.042) and non-religious patients (p = 0.045). Correlations were found between anxiety, depression and all quality of life dimensions (r = 0.31–0.63). Multiple regression analysis showed that anxiety and depression contribute to lower physical and emotional functioning. Patients with anxiety (HADS-a ≥8) and depression (HADS-d ≥8) reported a lower total quality of life (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Management of anxiety and depression in cancer patients receiving palliative care may contribute to improvement in certain quality of life dimensions.

Keywords

• Depression; 
• Anxiety; 
• Quality of life; 
• Palliative care; 
• Advanced cancer