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Abstract

Many cervical cancer patients present with comorbid depression hence low quality of life, as evidenced by Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) cancer patient records. This study was conducted to identify factors associated with depression among cervical cancer patients at MTRH by determining the prevalence of depression among cervical cancer patients at MTRH. This included the inpatients and outpatients in MTRH and Clinical Assessments done together with the screening tools (The Becks Depression Inventory [BDI]). A total of 123 patients were enrolled to participate in the study. Participant�s ages ranged from 18 to 65 years and the marital distribution was: 15% single, 16% divorced and 69% were married. A third (30%) had severe depression; 42% were moderately depressed, 17% mild depression and 11% minimal depression level. Slightly less than half (41%) thought that somewhat the treatment was important and the majority (33%) identified intensity of pain as an associated factor for depression. Determinants of depression such as Loss of interest, Low self-esteem, Low social support, feelings of worthlessness all contributed to the low Quality of life of the cervical cancer patients and their response and attitude towards the treatment modalities. To conclude, patients with cervical cancer have co-morbid depression that should be addressed to improve the quality of life. Socio-demographic and socioeconomic factors are important in defining the incidence of depression among cervical cancer patients. The management of cervical cancer requires a multi- sectoral and multidisciplinary effort and it also requires strong linkages and teamwork between providers at all levels of Health care system.

Biography

Aphlyne Turfy is a Medical Psychologist and the current national Chairperson for the Medical Psychologists Association of Kenya. She is currently in Israel ongoing her MA in International Development and Specializing in Migration, Refugees and Asylum Seeking and also working on a project for Mental Health and Climate Change. She previously worked with the Division of Mental Health at the Ministry of Health, Kenya, Mathare National Teaching and Referral Hospital and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital. She is passionate about Mental Health advocacy and her knowledge on Sign Language helps her communicates and reaches out to the deaf community at Mental Wellness with a Smile, a Community Based Organization she founded.