Anxiety, depression, physical symptoms, and activity in patients with hematological malignancy undergoing chemotherapy: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of depression and anxiety in patients with hematological malignancy including examining their relationship with physical functioning and physical symptoms.Method: Japanese inpatients (n = 173, mean age: 62.7 ± 15.0 years) with hematological malignancy undergoing chemotherapy and 115 age-and sex-matched healthy controls participated. All participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. For patients with hematological malignancy, muscle strength, physical activity, activities of daily living, and quality of life (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30) were assessed. Results:We revealed that 32.9% and 45.7% of patients had anxiety and depression, respectively, which were both significantly higher than the values among healthy controls. Patients with hematological malignancy who had anxiety and depression displayed lower physical functioning scores and higher symptom scores on the QLQ-C30. Logistic regression analyses revealed that age, nausea, and cognitive functioning were significantly associated with anxiety in patients with hematological malignancy, and insomnia was significantly associated with depression. Significance of Discussion:The prevalence of anxiety and depression was high in Japanese inpatients with hematological malignancy undergoing chemotherapy. Anxiety and depression may be affected more by physical symptoms than by physical functioning or activity; therefore, the relationship between psychological distress (anxiety and depression) and physical symptoms should be focused on when treating patients with hematological malignancy undergoing chemotherapy.