Psychiatric Morbidity and Assessment of its Severity in Gynaecologic Oncology Patients: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Several psychological and social factors influence the incidence, treatment, and outcome of cancer patients. Depressive symptoms are more common in cancer patients, particularly in late stages. Women in Indian settings often exhibit delayed treatment-seeking behaviour. Aim: To assess the prevalence, type, and severity of psychiatric morbidity as well as the duration, type, and stage of illness in gynaecological oncology patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 gynaecological oncology patients aged 18 to 65 years, who were attending the gynaecologic Outpatient Department (OPD) and ward at a tertiary care hospital. The study took place at Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai, between May 2013 and November 2013. Data was collected using a semistructured questionnaire from the patient and a reliable informant, after obtaining informed consent. The data was entered into Microsoft Excel and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.0. Central values, dispersion, and Chi-square tests were calculated. Results: The sample comprised 100 gynaecological oncology patients, with 30 (30%) diagnosed with malignancy, 43 (43%) with a benign condition, and 27 (27%) under investigation. Among the 100 patients assessed, 34 (34%) had psychiatric morbidity. There was a significantly higher prevalence among older patients, those with more than six months’ duration of gynaecological morbidity, and those exhibiting non fatal suicidal behaviour. Conclusion: Psychiatric morbidity is highly prevalent in gynaecological oncology patients. Depression was found to be more frequent and severe in patients with cancer. A previous history of suicidal attempts and a family history of psychiatric illness are important predictors of psychiatric morbidity in this population. Future studies on a larger population should explore the biological relationship between gynaecological oncology and psychiatric illness.

Keywords

• anxiety
• depression
• gynaecological carcinoma
• psychiatric morbidity