Depression and anxiety status among informal caregivers of patients with cancer treated at selected tertiary hospitals in Nepal.

OBJECTIVE

Cancer is a major cause of death globally, and places a substantial burden on both patients and their caregivers. Frequent stress among caregivers often affects their mental well-being. This study was aimed at assessing anxiety and depression levels among informal caregivers of patients with cancer treated at selected tertiary hospitals in Nepal. An additional aim was to identify socio-demographic factors associated with these mental health outcomes.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 383 informal caregivers were surveyed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Statistical analyses, including descriptive analysis and binary logistic regression, were conducted to explore associations with socio-demographic variables.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 36.1 ± 13.1 years, and 56.1% were 12-36 years old. Most participants were married (81.5%), were unemployed (66.6%), and had primary to secondary education (66.6%). The prevalence of moderate to severe anxiety (52%) and depression (45%) among caregivers was notable. Caregivers of patients treated at non-governmental hospitals were six times more likely (OR 6.3, 95% CI: [3.62-10.95],  = 0.001) to have anxiety and five times more likely (OR 5.3, 95% CI: [8.28-19.32],  = 0.001) to have depression.

CONCLUSION

People who take care of patients with cancer in Nepal often feel substantial stress. Determining the causes of these feelings can aid in the creation of programs to support caregivers' mental health. Caring for mental well-being among caregivers is critical to achieving better cancer care and quality of life.