Twelve-Month Prevalence of Psychiatric Morbidity in Cancer Patients in a Nigerian Oncology Centre

Abstract Background Cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide and is associated with a wide range of psychiatric morbidity.Methods In this descriptive study, 130 patients with different types of cancer were interviewed. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, medical comorbidity, stage of cancer, duration of treatment was obtained. Psychological distress was assessed using the GHQ-12, and psychosocial distress with the Distress Thermometer (DT). The MINI was used to establish the presence or absence of any psychiatric diagnosis, including any substance use disorder. Information on receipt of formal psychiatric treatment was also obtained. Associated factors and predictors of “Any Mental Disorder” (AMD) were determined. Analysis was carried out using SPSS 20.0 Results Prevalence of psychological distress (GHQ score > 2) was 63.8%, psychosocial distress (DT score > 3) (60.8%), adjustment disorder (20.0%), anxiety y disorder (18.5%), major depression (15.4%), delirium (6.9%), psychosis (2.3%), mania (0.8%), 12-month alcohol use disorder (3.8%), 12-month tobacco use disorder (0.8%), 12-month opioid use disorder (26.9%) and 12 month cannabis use disorder (0.8)%. In all, 66.9% had AMD. The most common medical comorbidity was hypertension (36.2%) and diabetes (23.1%). Predictors of AMD were: Predictors of AMD were: duration of cancer treatment above 6 months OR = 2.66, 95% CI (1.17-6.05), DT score > 3 OR = 2.78, 95% CI (1.24-6.21) and the presence of any medical comorbidity OR = 2.29, 95% CI (1.02-5.14).Conclusion Cancer is associated with significant psychiatric morbidity, necessitating a collaborative Consultation Liaison Psychiatric service in cancer care.