Prevalence of depression among patients with Head and Neck cancer

Depression in oncology is considered to be a reactive response to cancer. However, its impact on patient’s healthcare journey and quality of life is far from negligible (1). The prevalence of depression among head and neck cancer (HNC) patients is increasing over time but It’s detection among them is underestimated (2). We aimed to investigate the prevalence and the factors associated with depression in HNC patients.

A questionnaire survey of 30 patients with head and neck cancer undergoing treatment at the Salah Azaiz Institute in Tunisia, Using an Arabic version of < The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) >. This scale detects anxiety and depression with a score of 19 or more.

In our study, the majority of the population was aged over 50 (73%). Seven females were being treated among 27 males. Most patients had no family psychiatric history (74%). Only five patients had a personal psychiatric condition. The main treatment involved a combination of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy (53%) followed by chemotherapy alone in 9 patients (30%). Being unmarried or living alone is associated with depression (p<0.05). Most patients were not admitted (54%). Depression was detected in 8 patients, 7 of whom were admitted (p=0.06). Patients who were hospitalized presented more depressive symptoms (p=0.02). No correlation was found between personal psychiatric history and depression. None of the patients had received a psychological consultation since the announcement of the diagnosis, and they were all unaware of psychologist’s availability at the institute. The entire population reports family support. A high HADS score was associated with a less favorable clinical response to treatment in the entire population (p<0.01).  

Screening for depression among head and neck cancer patients can be quick and easy. The aim is to target patients who are likely to benefit from psychological support.