Prevalence of depression and its correlations: a cross-sectional study in Thai cancer patients

Objectives: Depression is common in cancer patients. However, only limited evidence is available for Asianpopulations. The authors therefore examine the prevalence of depression in Thai patients with cancer. In addition,associated factors were determined. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in cancer patientsadmitted to a university hospital during December 2006 - December 2007. The Patient Health Questionnaire(PHQ-9) was used to assess all cancer patients. Suicidal risk was assessed by using the Mini-InternationalNeuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) in the module of suicidal risk assessment. Results: Of 108 cancer patients,29.6 % were diagnosed with a depressive disorder (mild, 14.8 %; moderate, 5.6 %; severe, 9.3 %). However, only25.0 % of these were recognized as being depressed by the primary physician. According to the MINI., 28.1 % ofthese depressed cancer patients had a moderate to severe level of suicidal risk. In addition, the findings suggestthat increased risk of depression is significantly associated with increased pain score, lower number of cancertreatments (< 2 methods), increased educational duration (>13 years), increased age (> 50 years old) and beingfemale. Conclusions: The prevalence of depression is high in Thai cancer patients. However, depressive disorder inthose patients is frequently undiagnosed. It is associated with several factors including pain, a number of cancertreatments, education duration, age and sex. To improve quality of life, increase compliance with treatmentsand prevent of suicide, screening for depressive disorders in this patient group is strongly recommended.