Depressive symptoms and hopelessness among patientswith cancer: Role of religiosity

Abstract

Introduction Patients suffering from cancer may be more vulnerable to depressive symptoms and suicidality. These symptoms may be affected by the degree of religiosity and faith. Aim The objective of this study was to assess the depressive symptoms, hopelessness, and suicidality among patients suffering from cancer and to study the role of religiosity and how it affects depressive symptoms, hopelessness, and suicidality in this group of patients. Materials and methods This is a cross-sectional study among a sample of patients with cancer. They were subjected to sociodemographic sheets and self-report questionnaires (Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Hopelessness Scale, Religious Orientation Scale-Revised (internal-external religiosity). Results Most of the patients (97.5%) expressed depressive symptoms (BDI > 10) with different severities: mild (10.3%), moderate (76.9%), and severe (12.5%). The highest severity was among patients suffering from breast cancer. The majority (77.9%) of patient scores in hopelessness were estimated to be mild. There was an indirect relationshipbetween BDI scores and scores of external and internal religiosity. The study revealed an indirect relationship between hopelessness scores and external religiosity scores. However, the relationship was statistically nonsignificant. Conclusion This study revealed that Egyptian patients who are suffering from cancer experience a high frequency of depressive symptoms. However, hopelessness and suicidality areexpressed in low frequency. © 2011 Okasha Institute of Psychiatry.