Perception of Social Support and Prevalence of Self-Reported Depressive Symptoms among Patients with Head-and-Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated at a Tertiary Cancer Centre in North India

Abstract

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine and correlate the perception of social support and the prevalence of self-reported depressive symptoms among patients with head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 100 patients with HNSCC receiving treatment at a tertiary cancer centre in north India. They were enrolled by a convenient sampling technique. Subsequently, data regarding sociodemographic profile, clinical profile, perception of social support and prevalence of self-reported depressive symptoms were collected through face-to-face interviews using a subject datasheet, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9.

Results: Most of the HNSCC patients, 37%, were in the 42-54 years age category. A male gender predilection (85%) was noted. The two most common subsites involved were the oral cavity (61%) followed by the oropharynx (26%). A majority, 60% of the patients had high social support. Among the subscales of the MSPSS, high social support was obtained majorly from the family (98%), followed by significant others (66%) and friends (52%). The prevalence of self-reported moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms was noted in 36% of patients. The perception of social support and the prevalence of self-reported depressive symptoms showed a weak negative correlation (r = -0.262, P = 0.008).

Conclusion: Despite receiving high social support, there was a high prevalence of self-reported moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms in patients with HNSCC. Therefore, it is pertinent to monitor the mental health of patients afflicted with HNSCC and provide mental health rehabilitation as per their needs.

Keywords: Depressive symptoms; Head-and-neck cancer; Perception; Prevalence; Social support.