Anxiety and Depression Symptoms, Self-Esteem and Body Image Among Patients with Gynecological Cancers: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Aim: Gynecological cancers are among the most important health problems of women, with high rates of morbidity and mortality. These patients also have high rates of anxiety and depression symptoms which can affect the quality of life, self-care, self-esteem, body image, adherence, response to treatment and prognosis of the cancer. This study aimed to investigate the anxiety and depression symptoms, self-esteem and body image among patients with gynecological cancers. Material and Method: In this study, anxiety and depression symptoms, self-esteem, body image satisfaction, and the effect of cancer on these parameters were investigated in eighty-one patients with gynaecological cancer who underwent surgery and have been taking chemotherapy currently. After obtaining the informed consent, a socio-demographic data form, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Body Image Scale (BIS) and Coopersmith Self- Esteem Scale (CSES) were applied to all participants. Results: HADS-anxiety score was positively correlated with HAD depression score (p<0.001) and negatively correlated with CSES (p≤0.01) score. HADS-depression score was negatively correlated with BIS score (p<0.01). HADS-anxiety score predicted the decrease in self-esteem weakly. HADS-depression score predicted the decrease in self-esteem and deterioration in body image as close to statistically significant. Increased symptoms of anxiety and depression as well as declined self-esteem and impaired body image were observed in patients treated for gynecological cancers. Conclusion: In patients with gynecological cancers, the existence of possible anxiety and depression symptoms, impairment in selfesteem and body image should be screened; if detected, the treatment should be performed for the health of the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]