Depression, Anxiety and Stress Among Arsenic-Induced Cancer Patients in Indo-Gangetic Plains of Bihar: Role of Proactive Coping.

Abstract

Arsenic induced cancer is a major public health issue in Indo-Gangetic plains of Bihar, India where 22 out of 38 districts report arsenic contamination of groundwater. Its psychological aspect is under studied in contrast to the physiological and social. This baseline correlational survey research explores the relationship and role of proactive coping on depression, anxiety and stress among this population. Depression, anxiety and stress were assessed in 77 consenting arsenic induced cancer patients with depression, anxiety and stress scales. Proactive Coping was assessed with proactive coping inventory. Results demonstrated negative association and influence of proactive coping on stress, anxiety and depression. Avoidance coping associated positively with depression and reflective coping predicted for depression and anxiety. The findings advocate for more research attention on psychological aspects of arsenic induced cancer. Timely psychological interventions to build proactive coping are warranted to alleviate depression, anxiety and stress among this population.