Men and cancer: The prevalence of depression, anxiety and distress in male cancer patients, and its relationship with health behaviours

Citation

Dale H, Ozakinci G, Adair P & Humphris G (2010) Men and cancer: The prevalence of depression, anxiety and distress in male cancer patients, and its relationship with health behaviours. “Health in context” : 24th Annual Conference of the European Health Psychology Society, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, 01.09.2010-04.09.2010. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2010.502762

Abstract
Objectives: Men with cancer, and particularly single men, are reported to have worse mortality rates than women with cancer. Some sub-groups of men with cancer may also be more vulnerable to psychosocial problems. The current study aimed to assess the prevalence of psychosocial problems in men with cancer, identify any particularly vulnerable groups, and any relationship between psychosocial problems with health behaviours. Methods: A cross-sectional study recruited adult men with a diagnosis of cancer, in Fife, Scotland. The questionnaire assessed demographic factors, social support, anxiety, depression, distress, health behaviours and desire for support. Results: 75 men with cancer participated. Participants did not have higher levels of anxiety, depression or distress than has been found in the general population. Being younger resulted in higher levels of anxiety, depression and distress. Living in areas of higher deprivation was associated with higher rates of depression. Poorer psychosocial conditions were related to higher smoking, and lower exercise rates. Conclusions: Sub-groups of men with cancer may be more susceptible to particular psychosocial problems. Whilst the prevalence of psychosocial problems may not be higher than the general population, assessment for psychosocial problems in male cancer patients, along with targeted interventions for those most vulnerable is desirable.