COVID-19 impact on anxiety and depression in head and neck cancer patients: A cross-sectional study

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Rodrigues-Oliveira, Leticia ; Kauark-Fontes, Elisa ; Alves, Carolina Guimaraes Bonfim ; Tonaki, Juliana Ono ; Gueiros, Luiz Alcino ; Moutinho, Karina ; Marta, Gustavo Nader ; Barros, Luciana Rodrigues Carvalho ; Santos-Silva, Alan Roger ; Brandao, Thais Bianca ; Prado-Ribeiro, Ana Carolina

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ORAL DISEASES; v. 28, p. 9-pg., 2021-05-07.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate whether the coronavirus disease 2019 has increased anxiety, depression, and distress levels in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, RT-HNC patients were surveyed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for anxiety and depression and the distress thermometer (DT) for distress. HADS scores were compared with data pre-COVID-19. Additionally, we evaluated the COVID-19 impact on daily routines, treatment, and cancer care through a questionnaire. Results: Fifty patients were included. The HADS mean score and estimated rates were 4.34 (+/- 4.06)/22% for anxiety and 5.08 (+/- 4.82)/22% for depression; in comparison, our historical control had 4.04 (+/- 3.59)/20% for anxiety (p = .79) and 4.03 (+/- 3.62)/17% for depression (p = .49). Mean DT score was 3.68 (+/- 2.77). Responders were aware of COVID-19, afraid of having medical complications, believed it was life-threatening, did not miss appointments, believed their treatment was not impacted, and felt safe at the hospital amid the pandemic. Conclusion: This study suggests that anxiety, depression, and distress levels found in RT-HNC patients did not increase during the pandemic. Patients were afraid of being infected by COVID-19; however, they complied with their cancer treatment. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/23479-3 - Oncological safety of extraoral photobiomodulation in patients with oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
• Grantee: Elisa Kauark Fontes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 18/02233-6 - Oncological safety of the use of intraoral and extraoral photobiomodulation in patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
• Grantee: Alan Roger dos Santos Silva
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants