Abstract

Objective: We investigated the levels of anxiety, depression and quality of life of non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving chemotherapy.

Material and Method: Forty three patients with NSCLC cancer receiving chemotherapy were included in this study. The series of forms including the questions regarding the demographic characteristics of the patients, Turkish version of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Turkish version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and EORTC- QLQ-C30 (version 3) were completed during face-to-face interviews by trained interviewers to determine the psychological status and quality of life of the patients.

Results: The mean Beck depression scores were 18±10.1 (range 0-40) and the mean STAI scores were 46.2±6.6 (range 33-60). 46.5% of the patients (20 patients) (Beck Depression scores ≥17 points) were determined as depressive. The STAI and EORTC-QLQ C30 symptom scales scores (excluding the dyspnea, diarrhea, constipation, appetite loss and financial problems) of the depressive patients (BDI≥17) were significantly higher than that of the non depressive patients (BDI<17). On the other hand, the EORTC-QLQ C30 function scales (physical, role, cognitive, emotional and social function scales) and global quality of life scores of the depressive patients (BDI≥17) were significantly lower than that of the non depressive patients (BDI<17).

Conclusion: In our study, anxiety and depression levels were high in Turkish NSCLC cancer patients. We found that depression was strongly associated with the poor quality of life in Turkish NSCLC cancer patients. (Tur Toraks Der 2012; 13: 50-5)