“Stage-Wise Analysis of Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life in Oral Cancer Patients: A Tertiary Care Hospital Study”
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Abstract
Introduction: Oral cancer significantly impacts patients’ psychological well-being and quality of life. This study evaluates the stage-wise analysis of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores and EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale (EQVAS) scores in oral cancer patients at a tertiary care hospital.
Methods: Our study enrolled 100 oral cancer patients. Patients were categorised into four stages: Stage 1 (n=36), Stage 2 (n=34), Stage 3 (n=17), and Stage 4 (n=13). HADS was used to assess anxiety and depression levels, while EQVAS was employed to measure the patients’ self-rated health status.
Results: Patients in Stage 1 exhibited low HADS anxiety (mean score: 5.14) and depression (mean score: 4.8) scores, with a high mean EQVAS score of 73.50. In Stage 2, moderate HADS anxiety (mean score: 8.0) and depression (mean score: 7.3) scores were observed, with a mean EQVAS score of 70.74. Stage 3 patients had higher HADS anxiety (mean score: 10.65) and depression (mean score: 9.5) scores, with a mean EQVAS score of 60. Finally, Stage 4 patients showed the highest HADS anxiety (mean score: 13.2) and depression (mean score: 10.6) scores, with a low mean EQVAS score of 40. A significant negative correlation was found between HADS and EQVAS scores (p<0.01).
Conclusion: The study highlights a clear correlation between increased anxiety and depression levels and decreased self-rated health status in oral cancer patients. These findings emphasise the importance of psychological support and interventions to improve oral cancer patients' overall quality of life, particularly in advanced stages.
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