The sample size was determined to ensure a representative sample of cancer patients at the Adam Malik Hospital Medan

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 28 views

Relationship between Pain Scores (VAS) and Depression Score (PHQ-9) in Cancer Patients at the Adam Malik Hospital Medan

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Additional Information:

Background

Pain experienced by cancer patients is one of the most common and frightening symptoms. This pain not only affects the physical, but also directly affects the daily activities, the quality of life, and the patient's psychological condition. One of the psychological disorders that often arises due to pain in cancer patients is depression. Understanding the relationship between pain and depression is important to improve the management of cancer patients. The impact of pain on cancer patients is multifaceted, and it is essential to address this issue to provide comprehensive care.

Research Purposes

This study aims to explore the relationship between pain scores measured with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and depression scores measured by Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) in cancer patients who are hospitalized at Adam Malik Hospital Medan during September to November 2018. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the correlation between pain and depression in cancer patients.

Research Methods

This study uses analytical observational methods with cross-sectional design. The data used is primary data obtained from the PHQ-9 questionnaire to measure the level of depression, and VAS to measure the level of pain. A total of 100 respondents participated in this study. The sample size was determined to ensure a representative sample of cancer patients at the Adam Malik Hospital Medan.

Research Result

The results showed that of the 100 respondents, 42% had mild depression and 51% had moderate pain. It was also found that certain factors such as female sex, under the age of 40 years, Batak tribes, and professions as farmers are the most group of cancer. These findings suggest that there are specific demographic and socioeconomic factors that contribute to the development of pain and depression in cancer patients. The results of statistical analysis using the Spearman correlation test showed the value of P = 0.001 (p <0.05) with the correlation coefficient (R) = 0.8, which indicated a significant and strong relationship between pain and depression.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

This finding is very important, because it shows that the pain experienced by cancer patients can be a significant predictor for the emergence of depression. Cancer victims often face prolonged pain, which can worsen their psychological state. The inability to live daily life normally, combined with continuous pain, can create a vicious circle where pain and depression affect each other. This vicious cycle can have a profound impact on the quality of life of cancer patients, and it is essential to address this issue to provide comprehensive care.

It is important for medical personnel to realize this connection and provide comprehensive treatment to cancer patients. Pain treatment not only requires the use of drugs, but also a psychological approach and social support that can help ease the mental burden of the patient. Multidisciplinary involvement between doctors, psychologists, and social workers is highly recommended to improve the quality of life of patients.

Conclusion

From this study it can be concluded that there is a significant relationship between pain and depression in cancer patients who are hospitalized at the Adam Malik Hajj Hospital Medan. Considering how much the effect of pain on the patient's mental condition, a comprehensive and integrated treatment approach is needed to improve the quality of life of cancer patients. This study highlights the importance of addressing pain and depression in cancer patients, and it provides a framework for healthcare providers to develop effective treatment strategies.

Recommendations

Healthcare providers should recognize the significant relationship between pain and depression in cancer patients.
Comprehensive treatment approaches that address both physical and psychological aspects of pain should be developed.
Multidisciplinary involvement between doctors, psychologists, and social workers is highly recommended to improve the quality of life of patients.
Further research is needed to investigate the impact of pain and depression on cancer patients and to develop effective treatment strategies.

Limitations

This study was conducted at a single hospital, and the results may not be generalizable to other hospitals or populations.
The sample size was limited, and further research is needed to confirm the findings.
The study did not investigate the impact of other factors that may contribute to the development of pain and depression in cancer patients.

Future Directions

Further research is needed to investigate the impact of pain and depression on cancer patients and to develop effective treatment strategies.
Studies should be conducted to investigate the relationship between pain and depression in different populations and settings.
Healthcare providers should be educated on the importance of addressing pain and depression in cancer patients, and they should be provided with the necessary resources and support to develop effective treatment strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Relationship between Pain Scores (VAS) and Depression Score (PHQ-9) in Cancer Patients at the Adam Malik Hospital Medan

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study is significant because it investigates the relationship between pain and depression in cancer patients, which is a critical aspect of cancer care. Understanding this relationship can help healthcare providers develop effective treatment strategies to improve the quality of life of cancer patients.

Q: What is the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)?

A: The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is a tool used to measure the level of pain experienced by patients, while the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a tool used to measure the level of depression.

Q: What were the findings of this study?

A: The study found that there is a significant relationship between pain and depression in cancer patients. Specifically, it was found that 42% of the patients had mild depression and 51% had moderate pain.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The implications of this study are that healthcare providers should recognize the significant relationship between pain and depression in cancer patients and develop comprehensive treatment approaches that address both physical and psychological aspects of pain.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study are that it was conducted at a single hospital, and the results may not be generalizable to other hospitals or populations. Additionally, the sample size was limited, and further research is needed to confirm the findings.

Q: What are the recommendations of this study?

A: The recommendations of this study are that healthcare providers should recognize the significant relationship between pain and depression in cancer patients and develop comprehensive treatment approaches that address both physical and psychological aspects of pain. Multidisciplinary involvement between doctors, psychologists, and social workers is highly recommended to improve the quality of life of patients.

Q: What are the future directions of this study?

A: The future directions of this study are to investigate the impact of pain and depression on cancer patients and to develop effective treatment strategies. Studies should be conducted to investigate the relationship between pain and depression in different populations and settings.

Q: How can healthcare providers apply the findings of this study in their practice?

A: Healthcare providers can apply the findings of this study by recognizing the significant relationship between pain and depression in cancer patients and developing comprehensive treatment approaches that address both physical and psychological aspects of pain. They should also involve multidisciplinary teams, including doctors, psychologists, and social workers, to improve the quality of life of patients.

Q: What are the potential consequences of not addressing pain and depression in cancer patients?

A: The potential consequences of not addressing pain and depression in cancer patients are that they may experience a decline in their quality of life, increased symptoms of depression, and decreased adherence to treatment. This can lead to a vicious cycle of pain and depression, which can have a profound impact on the patient's overall well-being.

Q: How can patients and families support the healthcare providers in addressing pain and depression in cancer patients?

A: Patients and families can support the healthcare providers by being open and honest about their symptoms, asking questions, and seeking additional support from mental health professionals. They can also advocate for comprehensive treatment approaches that address both physical and psychological aspects of pain.

Q: What are the next steps in addressing pain and depression in cancer patients?

A: The next steps in addressing pain and depression in cancer patients are to conduct further research to investigate the impact of pain and depression on cancer patients and to develop effective treatment strategies. Healthcare providers should also be educated on the importance of addressing pain and depression in cancer patients, and they should be provided with the necessary resources and support to develop effective treatment strategies.