Socio-demographic Factors Associated with Depression Among Patients with Advanced Cancer in Nairobi Hospice, Kenya

Ekenedilichukwu Ugwoegbu, Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology; Alice Munene Psy.D; & Rebecca Oladipo, Ph.D., Daystar University, Kenya

Cancer is a disease that entails uncontrolled growth and spread of some of the cells in the body, which comes with psychological distress and mental health disorders such as depression. Patients with advanced cancer experience higher rates of depression compared to those at earlier stages. Despite the interventions employed, so far, in reducing depression among patients with advanced cancer, the problem of depression remains a serious concern. As a result, this study set out to assess the demographic factors associated with depression, among patients with advanced cancer, in Nairobi Hospice, Kenya. This study was informed by the relational frame theory. The study used descriptive research design, where a sample size of 60 patients with advanced cancer were selected. The patients were sampled through a purposive sampling method. Beck’s Depression Inventory–II was used to classify depression levels of patients. In addition, a socio-demographic questionnaire was administered. The research results revealed that the age of participants (p value 0.036), type of cancer (p value 0.030) and education level of participants (p value 0.028) were significantly associated with depression. This study will contribute to policies that relate to palliative care and support programs for cancer patients in general, and patients with advanced cancer in particular.

Key words: depression, advanced cancer, demographic factors, hospice