Analysis of factors influencing the psychological status and cognitive function of postoperative head and neck tumor patients

The aim was to analyze the factors influencing the psychological status and cognitive function in postoperative head and neck tumor (HNT) patients. 170 patients, including 90 benign HNT (BHNT) patients and 80 malignant HNT (MHNT) patients, were included in this study. Psychological status was evaluated using the distress thermometer. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Multiple Ability Self-Reported Questionnaire. The psychological status and cognitive function were both statistically significantly better in BHNT patients than in MHNT patients (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). MHNT patients in the moderate and severe appearance defect groups had a higher incidence of psychological distress than those in the no facial appearance defect group (P = 0.006 and P = 0.011, respectively). Both BHNT and MHNT patients in the group under the age of 60 had a higher incidence of psychological distress than those in the group over the age of 60 (P = 0.017 and P = 0.017, respectively). Educational level of both BHNT and MHNT patients was negatively correlated with the extent of cognitive impairment (P = 0.012 and P = 0.004, respectively). The influence of postoperative time on the psychological condition varied in different groups. Postoperative time of both BHNT and MHNT patients was negatively correlated with the extent of cognitive impairment (P = 0.027 and P < 0.001, respectively).