Mental health prevalence in Brazil: Understanding anxiety and depression in southern Capixaba region.

Abstract

e23295 Background: The rising significance of mental health issues and psychological distress among cancer patients has prompted an in-depth investigation. In the brazilian context, this crucial aspect remains largely unexplored, with limited available data and insufficient investment in understanding the psychosocial dimensions of cancer care. This study aims to generate brazilian-specific data to facilitate the development and implementation of targeted psychosocial interventions within cancer care. Methods: From August 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, a random selection of 263 patients at a brazilian cancer center underwent assessment for signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression using the Anxiety and Depression Assessment Scale – HAD. This validated screening scale, comprising 14 Likert-type questions, features two subscales with seven items each to track anxiety and depression symptoms. Severity scores for each subscale range from zero to 21, with higher scores indicating increased anxiety and depression levels. In this study, interviewers assessed the severity of symptoms, employing scales ranging from 0 to 21. Three score levels were identified: mild (0-7), moderate (8-11), and high (12-21). Inclusion criteria encompassed age over 18, residency in the southern region of the State of Espírito Santo, a cancer diagnosis, and active treatment. Exclusion criteria included non-residency in th southern region of th state, lack of cancer diagnosis, and oncohematological treatments. Of the 263 eligible participants, 21 were excluded for not meeting inclusion criteria, and 16 declined to participate, resulting in a final sample of 226 patients. Results: The sample comprised 160 women, with 64.90% diagnosed with breast cancer and 35.10% with other neoplasms. Among the 66 men, 41% had prostate cancer and 59% had other neoplasms. Anxiety levels in women were mild (28%), moderate (24%), and high (48%), while in men, levels were mild (39%), moderate (21%), and high (53%). Depression levels in women were mild (42%), moderate (19%), and high (39%). Notably, six suicide attempts occurred among women before cancer diagnosis, and one occurred after diagnosis. Among men, depression levels were mild (47%), moderate (22%), and high (31%). With no history of attempts of suicide in the men population. Conclusions: The study's robust dataset provides compelling and valid information, unveiling a substantial prevalence of mental disorders within the analyzed populations. It emphatically underscores the critical need for tailored supportive care in addressing the unique psychosocial challenges faced by this demographic. Furthermore, the findings advocate for the urgent implementation of targeted psychosocial support interventions to enhance the overall well-being of individuals navigating the complex terrain of cancer and its associated mental health implications.