Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of depression and anxiety in head and neck cancer patients and investigate the relationship of the associating factors.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study with self-completed questionnaire was conducted. Univariate and multivariate analyses with logistic regression were performed to assess the associated factors.

Results: Total of 293 patients (71.7% male, 28.3% female) were enrolled. The mean ± SD age was 58.25±14.28 years. The prevalence of anxiety was 17.75% and depression was 16.04%. Diagnostic time >12 month (adjusted OR 4.79, 95% CI 1.48 to 15.54, p=0.009), and perception of disfigurement (adjusted OR 4.68, 95% CI 1.42 to 15.38, p=0.011) were associated with anxiety. Education level had a direct positive correlation with anxiety prevention (adjusted OR 95% CI 0.13, 0.03 to 0.57, p=0.006 and adjusted OR 0.07, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.48, p=0.007 for education level lower Bachelor degree and Bachelor degree or higher, respectively). For depression, patient age >65 years (adjusted OR 4.09, 95% CI 1.6 to 10.46, p=0.003), group staging 4 (adjusted OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.2 to 8.08, p=0.019), and fatigue (adjusted OR 5.7, 95% CI 1.92 to 16.93, p=0.002) were related to depression. While married status was a protective factor of depression (adjusted OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.94, p=0.037).

Conclusion: Diagnostic time >12 months, and perception of disfigurement were associated with anxiety. Age >65 years, group staging 4, and fatigue were related to depression.

Keywords: Depression and anxiety, Head and neck cancer

DOI: doi.org/10.35755/jmedassocthai.2021.02.11469

Received 8 June 2020 | Revised 14 September 2020 | Accepted 15 September 2020