Magnitude of Anxiety and Depression and Associated Factors among Palliative Care Patients with Cancer at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Little is known regarding the severity of anxiety and depression among palliative care patients with cancer. As a result, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of anxiety and depression and its associated factors among palliative care patients with cancer. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Black Lion Specialized Hospital oncology center on palliative care patients with cancer who had follow up. Interviews and chart reviews were used. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square were done. Multivariate analysis was done. RESULT: A total of 171 palliative care patients with cancer were involved in the study. The magnitude of anxiety and depression was found at 64.9% and 47.4%, respectively. Those palliative care patients with cancer whose age >64 years (AOR: 7.1; CI: 1.59–68.0; P =0.029), unable to write and read (AOR: 0.2; CI: 0.03–0.73; P = 0.017), secondary school (AOR: 0.3; CI: 0.11–0.83; P = 0.022) were significant factors for anxiety. Breast cancer (AOR: 0.1; CI: 0.01–0.85; P = 0.021), surgery plus radiation (AOR: 0.2; CI: 0.02–0.91: P=0.024) others (radiation and surgery (AOR: 0.1; CI: 0.02–0.8: P = 0.036) were found to be significant factors for depression. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of anxiety and depression was 64.9% and 47.4%, respectively. Greater than 64-year-old age, unable to write and read secondary school were significant factors for anxiety. Breast cancer, surgery plus radiation, others (radiation and surgery) were found to be significant factors for depression.