Anxiety and depression among cancer patients at B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Chitwan, Nepal

Background: Cancer patients frequently experience significant psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, which adversely affects their quality of life. Various demographic and clinical factors may influence these conditions, but their specific impact on cancer patients in Nepal is not well understood. Objective: This study aimed to assess the relationships between anxiety, depression, and demographic and clinical factors among cancer patients in Nepal. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 248 cancer patients aged 18-79 years at a hospital in Nepal. Anxiety and depression levels were measured using validated scales, and their associations with demographic variables (age, gender, marital status, education, employment, income, and geographic location) and clinical factors (cancer type, stage, and treatment modality) were analyzed. Results: Anxiety and depression correlated positively. Depression increased with age, but anxiety did not. Patients with metastatic cancer, those with >2 monthly hospital visits, illiterate individuals, unemployed/homemakers and lower-income patients and metastatic cancer had significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression than their counterparts. However, gender, marital status, geographic location, treatment modality, cancer localization, diagnosis duration, hospitalization length, perceived treatment effect, and primary caregiver type showed no significant associations with anxiety and depression. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for targeted mental health support in oncology care, especially for high-risk groups. Future research should explore effective psychological interventions, coping strategies, and long-term mental health trends to improve patient well-being.