The association between anxiety and depression, acceptance of the disease, and the quality of life of patients with colorectal cancer - a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Objective: Colorectal cancer continues to be a serious health problem in developed countries. Since the incidence of this cancer is constantly increasing, it is currently the subject of numerous studies. Researchers have begun to approach the treatment of patients in a more holistic way. For this reason, there are numerous studies analyzing the quality of life of patients, but also the degree of their acceptance of illness, as well as the severity of their levels of anxiety and depression.

Materials and methods: 102 patients surgically treated for colorectal cancer at the 4th Military Clinical Hospital in Wroclaw between May 2021 and November 2023 were examined. The standardized questionnaires [QLQ-C30, QLQ-CR29, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS)] and an original questionnaire regarding the socioeconomic situation of patients were used for the assessment. The information was supplemented with clinical data obtained from patients' medical records.

Results: The study showed a strong relationship between the degree of acceptance of the disease and the quality of life of patients. The higher the degree of disease acceptance, the better the quality of life in the QL dimension (p=0.002, r>0). It has also been proven that feelings of anxiety and depression adversely affect the quality of life of patients (p=0.016 for anxiety, p<0.001 for depression, r<0).

Conclusions: This study proved that acceptance of the illness as well as levels of anxiety and depression were important components of patients' well-being and influence their quality of life. This knowledge should allow for even more effective treatments and more comprehensive care for oncological patients.