Exploring the interplay between sociodemographic factors, clinical characteristics, and anxiety levels in cancer patients: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim: The primary aim of this study was to examine the correlation between anxiety levels and the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Precisely identifying patient cohorts with varying psychological responses can substantially enhance cancer treatment through the improved integration of personalized therapeutic options. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 199 cancer patients at a medical oncology department utilized a questionnaire and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) to collect sociodemographic and clinical data. Statistical analysis assessed anxiety levels and their correlation with various factors. Results: The study included 199 cases with an average age of 57.28±11.76 years, consisting of 47.7% males and 52.3% females. Women exhibited a higher average age (55.18±1.15 years) compared to men (59.58±1.17 years). Among the participants, 165 were married, and 41.2% were high school graduates, with 67.8% not employed. Colorectal and pancreaticobiliary system tumors were most common (26.1%), while central nervous system tumors were least common (0.5%). The majority (59.3%) had metastatic cancer, and 55.8% were undergoing classical chemotherapy. The average Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) score was 25.63±7.90, with women scoring higher than men (26.67±0.77 vs. 24.48±0.80, p=0.025). Minor anxiety was observed in 46.7%, while 53.3% experienced major anxiety. Genitourinary system tumors had the highest HAM-A score (26.08±1.54), and metastatic patients and those undergoing immunotherapy reported higher anxiety levels. No significant relationships were found between anxiety scores and sociodemographic factors, cancer type, comorbidity, cancer stage, treatment method, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status, or radiotherapy. Conclusions: The study highlighted gender differences in anxiety, aligning with existing literature. Sociodemographic factors, except gender, showed no significant correlation with anxiety levels. Specific cancer types and advanced stages demonstrated higher anxiety, emphasizing the need for targeted psychosocial support. This research contributes to understanding the complex interplay between sociodemographic factors, clinical characteristics, and anxiety in cancer patients. The findings support the development of targeted interventions for specific patient groups, aligning with the broader goal of providing empathetic and comprehensive cancer care.

Keywords

• Cancer
• Anxiety
• Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A)
• Sociodemographic factors

Kanser hastalarında sosyodemografik faktörler, klinik özellikler ve anksiyete düzeyleri arasındaki ilişki: Kesitsel bir çalışma

Abstract

Amaç: Kanser teşhisi bireylerin yaşamlarında derin etkiler bırakan bir dönüm noktasıdır; fiziksel ve duygusal zorlukları içerir. Bu çalışma, kanser hastalarının teşhisi sonrası psikolojik tepkilerini kapsamlı bir şekilde araştırmayı amaçlamaktadır. Yöntem: Tıbbi onkoloji bölümünde 199 kanser hastasını içeren bu kesitsel çalışmada, Hamilton Anksiyete Ölçeği (HAM-A) anketi kullanılarak sosyodemografik ve klinik veriler toplandı. İstatistiksel analiz, anksiyete düzeylerini ve çeşitli faktörlerle olan ilişkilerini değerlendirdi. Bulgular: Çalışma, yaş ortalaması 57.28±11.76 olan, %47.7'si erkek ve %52.3'ü kadın olan 199 vaka içeriyordu. Kadınlar, erkeklere kıyasla daha yüksek bir ortalama yaşa sahipti (sırasıyla 55.18±1.15 ve 59.58±1.17). Katılımcıların 165'i evliydi ve %41.2'si lise mezunuydu, %67.8'i ise çalışmıyordu. Kolorektal ve pankreatik-biliyer sistem tümörleri en yaygın olanıydı (%26.1), merkezi sinir sistemi tümörleri ise en az yaygın olanıydı (%0.5). Katılımcıların çoğunluğu (%59.3) metastatik kansere sahipti ve %55.8'i klasik kemoterapi alıyordu. Ortalama Hamilton Anksiyete Ölçeği (HAM-A) puanı 25.63±7.90 idi ve kadınlar, erkeklere kıyasla daha yüksek puan aldı (%26.67±0.77 ve %24.48±0.80, p=0.025). Katılımcıların %46.7'sinde hafif anksiyete gözlemlendi, %53.3'ünde ise ciddi anksiyete yaşandı. Genitoüriner sistem tümörleri en yüksek HAM-A puanına sahipti (%26.08±1.54), metastatik hastalar ve immünoterapi alanlar daha yüksek anksiyete seviyelerini bildirdi. Anksiyete puanları ile sosyodemografik faktörler, kanser türü, eşlik eden hastalıklar, kanser evresi, tedavi yöntemi, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performans Durumu veya radyoterapi arasında anlamlı bir ilişki bulunamadı. Sonuçlar: Çalışma, anksiyetede cinsiyet farklılıklarını vurgulayarak mevcut literatürle uyumludur. Cinsiyet dışındaki sosyodemografik faktörlerin anksiyete seviyeleriyle anlamlı bir ilişkisinin olmadığı ortaya çıkmıştır. Belirli kanser türleri ve ileri evreler daha yüksek anksiyete göstermiştir, psikososyal destek ihtiyacının özellikle bu gruptaki hastalarda desteklenmesini gerektirir. Bu araştırma, kanser hastalarında sosyodemografik faktörler, klinik özellikler ve anksiyete arasındaki karmaşık etkileşimi anlamamıza katkı sağlamaktadır.

Keywords

• Kanser
• anksiyete
• Hamilton Anksiyete Ölçeği (HAM-A)
• sosyodemografik faktörler

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