Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression among Primary Caregivers of Oncologic Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital of Karachi, Pakistan.
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OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression in caregivers of oncology patients at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Oncology OPD of Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, from February to July 2023. A total of 326 caregivers were recruited. Data were collected via interviews using validated scales, the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, administered by MBBS students. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethical Review Committee of Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College (Ref: App # 0870-2023 LNH-ERC). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, with a P-value <.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Among the participants, 65.3% were male and 34.6% female; the majority (34.3%) were patients' children. The most common cancer among patients was breast cancer (40.5%). Anxiety was prevalent in 70.2% and depression in 38.0% of caregivers, with 36.8% experiencing both. Significant associations were found between anxiety/depression and caregiver sex, family history of depression, and the stage of cancer (P < .05). Lower education level predicted both anxiety and depression, while family history of depression and caregiving duration >8 hours/day were significant predictors of depression. CONCLUSION: Anxiety and depression were highly prevalent among caregivers of oncology patients and were associated with several sociodemographic and caregiving-related factors. Our study also underscores the importance of developing targeted interventions that consider the unique sociodemographic and contextual factors influencing caregivers' mental health. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: These findings highlight the need for routine psychological screening of caregivers in oncology settings. Oncology nurses can play a pivotal role in early identification, emotional support, and referral to mental health services, thereby improving caregiver well-being and enhancing patient care outcomes.