Abstract
BackgroundThe prevalence and factors associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) among adults with cancer have been documented in the scientific literature. However, this data is limited among children and adolescents with cancer; especially in low resource settings such as Uganda. We assessed the prevalence and factors associated with MDD in children and adolescents attending the Uganda cancer institute out-patient clinic.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study in which three hundred and fifty-two children and adolescents with any cancer diagnosis were screened for depression using the Child Depression Inventory (CDI) and evaluated with the mini neuropsychiatric interview for children and adolescents (MINI-KID). Associated factors were assessed using a standardized questionnaire that assessed child and caregiver demographic and psychosocial characteristics. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess factors independently associated with MDD.ResultsOf the 352 children and adolescents recruited in the study 134(38%) scored above a cut-off point of 13 on the CDI indicating significant depression symptoms. However, 91(26%) met criteria for MDD. The majority of those with MDD (n = 59 64.8%) had CDI scores of 13–19 indicating mild depression, 30(33%) had scores of 20–25 indicating moderate depression and 2(2.2%) had scores of 25 and above indicating severe depression. Protective factors against MDD were having a special person in the respondent’s life (p = 0.002) and using self-distraction as a coping method (p = < 0.001). Risk factors were being an adolescent(p = < 0.001).ConclusionThe prevalence of MDD is substantial in children and adolescents with cancer in Uganda. Given that the majority had a mild-moderate depression, there is an urgent need to integrate psychotherapy-the first-line treatment for depression into the routine care of children and adolescents with cancer.
Highlights
The prevalence and factors associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) among adults with cancer have been documented in the scientific literature
These challenges are even more pronounced in children and adolescent who have to cope with a number of issues as they move from one stage of development to another [2]
We examine the prevalence of depression, child and caregiver demographics, psychosocial and clinical features associated with having major depression among children and adolescents with any cancer diagnosis
Summary
The prevalence and factors associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) among adults with cancer have been documented in the scientific literature. This data is limited among children and adolescents with cancer; especially in low resource settings such as Uganda. Like any other chronic disease, individuals living with cancer are faced with numerous psychological and social challenges. These challenges are even more pronounced in children and adolescent who have to cope with a number of issues as they move from one stage of development to another [2]. A quarter of patients with cancer suffer from depression, whose symptoms should be looked for and treated by the health workers as they negatively impact the patient’s quality of life [4]
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