H18 - Anxiety and depression in oncology patients with chronic pain: a quantitative study

Abstract

Background: Despite the progress of oncology and modern methods of treatment, in its evolution cancer is accompanied by severe pain. In most cases it is possible to obtain effective control at any stage of the neoplastic disease. Anxiety disorders can be present in 10-15% of cases, depressive disorders between 6% and 30% depending on the stage of the disease, the psychosocial context and the specific clinical features of depression. The concomitant presence of pain facilitates the development of depressive symptoms, in particular those more stringent, such as major depression. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence and the presence of anxiety and depression in cancer patients suffering from chronic pain. Materials and methods: The study used a descriptive observational design. The recruitment took place in the Regina Elena Institute in Rome, between February-March 2016. The study was performed on patients with cancer pain. Patients were recruited during the hospitalization with the following inclusion criteria: Age> 18 years; chronic cancer pain. The socio-demographic data and the welfare evaluation of health workers on the management of pain were collected using a questionnaire constructed ad hoc; for pain assessment we used the McGill Pain Questionnair and for anxiety and depression the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HAD). The data were analyzed by SPSS Chicago 19. For statistical validity, was instead used the Mann Witney test. Results: The sample included 71 patients, mainly conjugated women. The most frequently diseases were breast, colorectal and prostate cancer. Analysis of the data showed that there is a higher incidence of pain in cancer patients, during the night, and that the nurse is the first figure called to the need moment. The physician appears to be the figure who has provided more information during pain management. In addition, the results showed a decrease of pain in patients at discharge, compared to entry and that both anxiety and depression appear to be higher in women than men. Conclusions: The reduction of anxiety and depression assessed at discharge makes us assume that it was given a good overall patient care. The questionnaire constructed ad hoc, showed that the nurse is responsive to the patient's need. In conclusion, these data confirm that nursing pain management in depressed and anxious patient, to be represented by a holistic care.