Year: 2026 | Month: July-September | Volume: 11 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 36-43
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20260305
Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety among Caregivers of Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Kuruva Siva Prasad1, Jakka Mohan Krishna2, Ediga Kornapalli Sumanth3, Chennapragada Sri Krishna Prakash4
1Department of Medical Oncology, Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool
2,4Department of Radiation Oncology, Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool
3Department of Psychiatry, Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool
Corresponding Author: Kuruva Siva Prasad
ABSTRACT
Background: Cancer imposes a profound psychological burden on primary caregivers, who remain largely overlooked within routine oncology care. Systematic data on caregiver psychological morbidity from Indian tertiary centres are limited.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and significant psychological distress among primary caregivers of cancer patients using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and to identify associated clinical and sociodemographic factors.
Methods: A prospective, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted over three months (May–July 2024) at a tertiary care oncology centre (n=120 caregiver–patient dyads). HADS was administered by a psychiatrist with a cutoff score >9 per subscale. Patient clinical data were retrieved from records. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests with Bonferroni correction were used for analysis.
Results: Anxiety was identified in 33 (27.5%) and depression in 34 (28.3%) caregivers; 45 (37.5%) demonstrated significant psychological distress. Mean HADS-A was 6.16 (SD 4.26) and HADS-D was 6.52 (SD 4.28). Disease stage was significantly associated with significant psychological distress (p=0.004); Stage I caregivers showed 100% prevalence (Bonferroni-corrected p=0.0032). Cancer type was significantly associated with anxiety (p=0.029) and significant psychological distress (p=0.045). Head and Neck cancer caregivers had 0% significant psychological distress (Bonferroni-corrected p=0.00087). Patient gender was associated with significant psychological distress (p=0.031). No caregiver sociodemographic variable reached statistical significance.
Conclusion: Psychological morbidity is prevalent among cancer caregivers. Disease stage, cancer type, and patient gender are significant clinical determinants. Routine HADS-based screening with targeted psychiatric referral is recommended for comprehensive cancer care.
Keywords: Cancer caregivers, HADS, depression, anxiety, psycho-oncology, India, caregiver distress