Psychosocial distress and spirituality among elderly patients with cancer in Nigeria

BackgroundElderly patients are disproportionately burdened with cancer morbidity and mortality. The disease and its treatment are complicated by ageing-related issues such as loss of loved ones, socioeconomic changes, and the presence of comorbidities. Thus, they are at high risk of psychosocial distress and poor health-related quality of life. There is a significant paucity of data on the prevalence and determinants of psychosocial distress among elderly patients with cancer in Nigeria, necessitating this study.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 296 patients aged 60 years and older with cancer attending the NSIA LUTH Cancer Centre. Data collection was interviewer-based using a structured questionnaire along with the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale 21-item (DASS-21) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy—Spiritual Well-Being 12 (FACITsp-12). The association between different variables was assessed by chi square. Statistical analysis was done with IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 25, and a p value of <0.05 was regarded as significant.ResultsThe prevalence of psychosocial distress among the respondents was depression (19.9%), anxiety (46.0%), and stress (3.0%). The majority of the respondents (77.7%) had intermediate/high spiritual levels. The prevalence of depression was significantly higher in those with comorbidities and those receiving chemotherapy. A high spiritual level was also significantly associated with a lower level of depression, anxiety, and stress.ConclusionsWe found a higher prevalence of psychosocial distress among patients who received chemotherapy as part of their treatment and also among those with comorbidities. A higher spiritual level was found to be associated with a reduced level of psychosocial distress. Therefore, there is a need to screen patients with comorbidities and those on chemotherapy for psychosocial distress in order to identify those in need of additional psychological and social work support. A holistic approach that integrates psychosocial and spiritual care into cancer treatment not only alleviates the emotional burden but also contributes to improved overall well-being and treatment outcomes.Legal entity responsible for the studyZ. A. Ogunjimi.FundingHas not received any funding.DisclosureAll authors have declared no conflicts of interest.