Depression among cancer patients: A major epidemic

Abstract

A descriptive study aimed to assess the level of depression among cancer patients of regional cancer centre, Agartala has been conducted with 100 no. of cancer patients selected by consecutive sampling. For this study, self-structured demographic tools and Zungdepression scale has beenused for measuring level of depression. Descriptive statistics has been used for data analysis. Majority of data were in age group 37-46 years, male, completed primary education, and businessman, family income within 5000, from nuclear family, having two children and from Hindu community. Results of study revealed that maximum patient were in mild depression (73%). This study result can be replicated in the nursing education, practice, and administration to assess the depression level of student and staff for better utilization of services and promoting quality of life.