Depressive symptoms and quality of life in home-care-assisted cancer patients

Grassi, L.; Indelli, M.; Marzola, M.; Maestri, A.; Santini, A.; Piva, E.; Boccalon, M.; Grassi, L; Indelli, M; Marzola, M; Maestri, A; Santini, A; Piva, E; Boccalon, M

doi:10.1016/s0885-3924(96)00181-9

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Depressive symptoms and quality of life in home-care-assisted cancer patients

Grassi, L.; Indelli, M.; Marzola, M.; Maestri, A.; Santini, A.; Piva, E.; Boccalon, M.

Journal of Pain and Symptom Management 12(5): 300-307

1996

ISSN/ISBN: 0885-3924

PMID: 8942125

DOI: 10.1016/s0885-3924(96)00181-9
Accession: 045730078

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Summary

To examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and its relationship with quality-of-life domains in home-care cancer patients at an advanced stage of illness, 86 patients were given psychological tests for depression (Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale) (HAD) and quality of life (EORTC-QLQ-C30) 1 week after admission to the home-care program. Using a proper cut-off score on the HAD-Depression subscale, depressive symptoms were reported by 45% of the patients. The quality of life of depressed patients was more affected than non-depressed patients in the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical domains. Significant correlations were found between depression scores and impairment in most quality-of-life areas. These findings support the importance of depression and quality-of-life evaluation in patients with advanced cancer who are followed in a home-care setting. This evaluation is needed to provide patients, their families, and caregivers with appropriate psychosocial interventions.