Perception of Social Support and Prevalence of Self-Reported Depressive Symptoms among Patients with Head-and-Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated at a Tertiary Cancer Centre in North India.

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine and correlate the perception of social support and the prevalence of self-reported depressive symptoms among patients with head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 100 patients with HNSCC receiving treatment at a tertiary cancer centre in north India. They were enrolled by a convenient sampling technique. Subsequently, data regarding sociodemographic profile, clinical profile, perception of social support and prevalence of self-reported depressive symptoms were collected through face-to-face interviews using a subject datasheet, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9.

Results: Most of the HNSCC patients, 37%, were in the 42-54 years age category. A male gender predilection (85%) was noted. The two most common subsites involved were the oral cavity (61%) followed by the oropharynx (26%). A majority, 60% of the patients had high social support. Among the subscales of the MSPSS, high social support was obtained majorly from the family (98%), followed by significant others (66%) and friends (52%). The prevalence of self-reported moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms was noted in 36% of patients. The perception of social support and the prevalence of self-reported depressive symptoms showed a weak negative correlation (r = -0.262, P = 0.008).

Conclusion: Despite receiving high social support, there was a high prevalence of self-reported moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms in patients with HNSCC. Therefore, it is pertinent to monitor the mental health of patients afflicted with HNSCC and provide mental health rehabilitation as per their needs.