Depression among Gynecologic Cancer Patients at Siriraj Hospital: Prevalence and Associated Factors
Pattaya Hengrasmee MD*, Puchong Padungsutt MD*, Dittakarn Boriboonhirunsarn MD, MPH, PhD*
Affiliation : *Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University
Objective : The purposes of this study were to determine the prevalence of depression and associated risk
factors among women with gynecologic cancer at Siriraj Hospital.
Design : Descriptive cross-sectional study
Setting : Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine,
Siriraj Hospital
Subjects : A total of 149 women with gynecologic cancer were enrolled.
Method : Women’s demographic data and medical information were obtained by interview and abstracted
from the medical record. The health-related self-report (HRSR) questionnaire was used to determine the
prevalence of depression. Certain characteristics regarding demographic and medical data were evaluated
in order to find any correlation with depression.
Results : The diagnoses in this study population included 77 cases (51.7%) of ovarian cancer, 34 cases
(22.8%) of cervical cancer, 20 cases (13.4%) of uterine cancer and 18 cases (12.1%) of gestational
trophoblastic tumor. The mean age was 46.6 years. Depression was detected in 20 out of 149 patients, which
yielded a prevalence of 13.4 % (95% CI 7.9-18.9%). Low income (less than 5,000 baht per month), cervical
cancer, radiation treatment regimen, and poor performance status were associated with increased risk of
depression.
Conclusion : Depression is one of the most common psychological distresses experienced by cancer patients.
The prevalence of depression among gynecologic cancer patients at Siriraj Hospital was as high as 13.4%.
Risk factors included low income, diagnosis of cervical cancer, radiation treatment regimen, and poor
performance status. These patients should receive adequate medical attention and careful evaluation for
depression especially those with such associated risk factors.
Keywords : Depression, Gynecologic cancer, Risk factors
