Prevalence of Anxiety in Post-Treatment Ovarian Cancer Survivors
Ariya Aoranphakhaporn¹, Pattra Wisarnsirirak¹, Nop Khongthon¹, Junya Pattaraarchachai², Kornkarn Bhamarapravatana³, Komsun Suwannarurk¹
Affiliation : ¹ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand; ² Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand; ³ Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
Background: Ovarian cancer is a gynecologic malignancy that needs surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. Anxiety and depression are common psychological distress among ovarian cancer survivors (OCS).
Objective: To assess the prevalence of anxiety among OCS and associated factors.
Materials and Methods: The present study was a descriptive study conducted at gynecologic oncology clinic at Thammasat University Hospital, Pathum Thani, Thailand. The period of the study was between November 2023 and April 2024. The subjects were OCS who attended the gynecologic oncology clinic. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess psychological distress. Other demographic data and clinical character were also collected.
Results: Eighty-four OCS were recruited. The mean age of the participants was 55.5 years old. OC survivors with anxiety conditions were younger than those without anxiety at 45.4 versus 56.8 years old, with statistical significance. Three-quarters of the participants (62 out of 84) were diagnosed at an early stage of ovarian cancer. The average time after treatment (TAT) was 27.5 months. Only TAT was the significant factor associated with anxiety disorder in OCS. The prevalence of anxiety was 10.7%.
Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of early psychological assessment and support for OCS. The authors recommended health care practitioners to be concerned about OCSs’ psychological status during their first five months of TAT.
Received 31 March 2025 | Revised 1 May 2025 | Accepted 15 May 2025
DOI: 10.35755/jmedassocthai.2025.7.574-579-02930
Keywords : Ovarian cancer; Anxiety; Chemotherapy; Survivorship; Mental health
