1688P - Psychosocial distress and spirituality among elderly patients with cancer in Nigeria

Background

Elderly patients are disproportionately burdened with cancer morbidity and mortality. The disease and its treatment are complicated by ageing-related issues such as loss of loved ones, socioeconomic changes, and the presence of comorbidities. Thus, they are at high risk of psychosocial distress and poor health-related quality of life. There is a significant paucity of data on the prevalence and determinants of psychosocial distress among elderly patients with cancer in Nigeria, necessitating this study.

Methods

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 296 patients aged 60 years and older with cancer attending the NSIA LUTH Cancer Centre. Data collection was interviewer-based using a structured questionnaire along with the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale 21-item (DASS-21) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy—Spiritual Well-Being 12 (FACITsp-12). The association between different variables was assessed by chi square. Statistical analysis was done with IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 25, and a p value of <0.05 was regarded as significant.

Results

The prevalence of psychosocial distress among the respondents was depression (19.9%), anxiety (46.0%), and stress (3.0%). The majority of the respondents (77.7%) had intermediate/high spiritual levels. The prevalence of depression was significantly higher in those with comorbidities and those receiving chemotherapy. A high spiritual level was also significantly associated with a lower level of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Conclusions

We found a higher prevalence of psychosocial distress among patients who received chemotherapy as part of their treatment and also among those with comorbidities. A higher spiritual level was found to be associated with a reduced level of psychosocial distress. Therefore, there is a need to screen patients with comorbidities and those on chemotherapy for psychosocial distress in order to identify those in need of additional psychological and social work support. A holistic approach that integrates psychosocial and spiritual care into cancer treatment not only alleviates the emotional burden but also contributes to improved overall well-being and treatment outcomes.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

Z. A. Ogunjimi.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.