Abstract 1573P
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused global mental health crisis. It has resulted in new sources of anxiety and depression among cancer patients which causes increasing psychological pressure. This study aimed at assessing the anxiety and depression in Tunisian cancer patients.
Methods
We conducted an observational, cross-sectional study between March and May 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Symptoms of anxiety and depression in cancer patients were screened using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). A total of 91 patients replied to this survey.
Results
From a total of 91 respondents in the study, there were 48 (52.7%) male patients and 43 (47.3%) female patients. 59 (64.8%) of the patients involved in this study were above 40 years of age, followed by 17(18.7%) of 20-29 years old and 15(16.5%) of 30-39 years old. About marital status, 67(73.6%) were married, 5 (5.5%) divorced, 4(4.4%) widowed and 15 (16.5%) were single. The incidence of depression under novel coronavirus pandemic in cancer patients was 29.7% (27/91). Eighteen (66.7%) had mild depression, 7(25.9%) moderate depression and two (7.4%) severe depression. The incidence of anxiety was 69.2% (63/91).Of those patients, 42(66.7%) were experiencing mild anxiety, 12(19%) moderate anxiety and 9(14.3%) severe anxiety. Univariate analysis showed that asthenia, family support and pain were associated with anxiety (p=0.006, p=0.001 and p=0.009, respectively). Multivariate analysis of logistic regression revealed that family support during the COVID-19 pandemic was negatively correlated with the level of anxiety (p=0.01). Presence of pain was associated with anxiety (OR= 4.106; 95%CI, 1.011-16.672; p=0.048). There were no significant relationships between depression and sex, family support, type of cancer or pain.
Conclusions
This study provided evidence of high rates of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Family support reduces the risk of anxiety while, presence of pain increases that risk.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
Dr feryel Letaief KSONTINI.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.