Psychological Issues in Ovarian Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Gonçalves V, Jayson G, Tarrier N
Primary Institution: University of Manchester
Hypothesis
Three different psychological morbidity profiles would appear across time, which were stable cases, occasional cases, and non-cases of anxiety and depression.
Conclusion
The study found that many women with ovarian cancer experience anxiety and depression, with most being occasional cases rather than persistent cases.
Supporting Evidence
- 52% of women were occasional cases of anxiety.
- 55% of women were non-cases of depression.
- Neuroticism and marital status were significant predictors of anxiety.
- Use of anti-depressants was a predictor of depression.
Takeaway
Women with ovarian cancer can feel very sad or worried, but not all of them feel this way all the time.
Methodology
Patients were assessed at four time points during their treatment for anxiety and depression using standardized psychological measures.
Potential Biases
Missing data may have introduced bias, as patients who did not complete assessments may have been more severely ill.
Limitations
The study may not generalize to women of different ethnic backgrounds or those with other types of cancer, and it only followed patients for 3 months after chemotherapy.
Participant Demographics
Participants were women with a new diagnosis of ovarian, peritoneal, or fallopian tube carcinoma, primarily from a UK cancer center.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI (1.2, 73.36)
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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