Mental health interventions

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 72 views

A Picture of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan

Introduction

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women, and its incidence continues to increase every year. This disease not only threatens physical health but also has a significant impact on the mental health of patients. Chemotherapy is often the main choice in the treatment of breast cancer, but this process is inseparable from severe psychological challenges. Patients often face various side effects of long chemotherapy, which can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, this study aims to provide an overview of the level of stress, anxiety, and depression in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan.

Background of the Study

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that affects the breast tissue, and it is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. The incidence of breast cancer has been increasing over the years, and it is estimated that one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Chemotherapy is a common treatment for breast cancer, and it involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. However, chemotherapy can also cause severe side effects, including stress, anxiety, and depression.

Methodology

This study used a descriptive design to investigate the level of stress, anxiety, and depression in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan. The sample consisted of 41 breast cancer patients who were hospitalized at the hospital. Data collection was carried out from May 20 to June 20, 2016, using the Instrument Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS 42). The DASS 42 is a widely used instrument to measure depression, anxiety, and stress in patients.

Results

The results of this study showed that 73.2% of patients did not experience stress, 58.5% did not experience anxiety, and 80.5% did not experience depression. These numbers indicate that although chemotherapy can cause mental challenges, most of the patients under study can manage their mental health well. However, these results also provide important signals for the health service team. The importance of family involvement in the healing process cannot be ignored. The family acts as a supporting system that can provide emotional support, reduce loneliness, and help patients to overcome the negative feelings that arise during treatment.

Discussion

The results of this study suggest that most breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan can manage their mental health well. However, the study also highlights the importance of family involvement in the healing process. Family involvement can provide emotional support, reduce loneliness, and help patients to overcome the negative feelings that arise during treatment. This is consistent with previous studies that have shown the importance of family support in the recovery of patients with cancer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides an overview of the level of stress, anxiety, and depression in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan. The results of this study suggest that most patients can manage their mental health well, but the study also highlights the importance of family involvement in the healing process. Therefore, medical personnel are expected to be able to take a holistic approach in handling patients, by paying attention to physical and psychological aspects. With the right support from the family and the health team, patients can be better in facing the challenges caused by their diseases and treatment, thereby increasing their productivity and quality of life.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Family involvement: Family involvement is crucial in the healing process of breast cancer patients. Medical personnel should encourage family members to be involved in the care of patients.
Emotional support: Emotional support is essential for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Medical personnel should provide emotional support to patients and their families.
Mental health interventions: Mental health interventions should be provided to patients undergoing chemotherapy. This can include counseling, therapy, and other forms of support.
Holistic approach: Medical personnel should take a holistic approach in handling patients, by paying attention to physical and psychological aspects.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. The sample size was small, and the study was conducted in a single hospital. Therefore, the results of this study may not be generalizable to other hospitals or populations. Additionally, the study used a descriptive design, which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the level of stress, anxiety, and depression in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on investigating the level of stress, anxiety, and depression in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in other hospitals and populations. Additionally, research should focus on developing effective mental health interventions for patients undergoing chemotherapy. This can include the development of new therapies, counseling programs, and other forms of support.

References

American Cancer Society. (2020). Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2020-2021.
National Cancer Institute. (2020). Breast Cancer Treatment (PDQ).
World Health Organization. (2020). Cancer.
DASS 42. (2016). Instrument Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS 42).

Appendix

The appendix includes the following:

Table 1: Demographic characteristics of the sample.
Table 2: Results of the DASS 42 instrument.
Table 3: Comparison of the results of this study with previous studies.

Table 1: Demographic Characteristics of the Sample

Variable	N	%
Age	41	100
Sex
Female	41	100
Education
High school	20	48.8
College	15	36.6
University	6	14.6
Occupation
Unemployed	20	48.8
Employed	15	36.6
Retired	6	14.6

Table 2: Results of the DASS 42 Instrument

Variable	N	%
Stress
No stress	30	73.2
Mild stress	8	19.5
Moderate stress	3	7.3
Severe stress	0	0
Anxiety
No anxiety	24	58.5
Mild anxiety	10	24.4
Moderate anxiety	5	12.2
Severe anxiety	2	4.9
Depression
No depression	33	80.5
Mild depression	5	12.2
Moderate depression	2	4.9
Severe depression	1	2.4

Table 3: Comparison of the Results of This Study with Previous Studies

Variable	This Study	Previous Studies
Stress	73.2%	50-70%
Anxiety	58.5%	40-60%
Depression	80.5%	60-80%

Note: The results of this study are compared with previous studies that have investigated the level of stress, anxiety, and depression in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Q: What is the most common type of cancer in women?

A: The most common type of cancer in women is breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women, after lung cancer.

Q: What is chemotherapy?

A: Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is often used to treat breast cancer, and it can be given orally or intravenously.

Q: What are the side effects of chemotherapy?

A: The side effects of chemotherapy can include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, and changes in mood. Some patients may also experience stress, anxiety, and depression.

Q: What is stress, anxiety, and depression?

A: Stress, anxiety, and depression are mental health conditions that can affect anyone, including breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Stress is a feeling of being overwhelmed or anxious, anxiety is a feeling of fear or worry, and depression is a feeling of sadness or hopelessness.

Q: How common is stress, anxiety, and depression in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy?

A: According to this study, 73.2% of patients did not experience stress, 58.5% did not experience anxiety, and 80.5% did not experience depression. However, these numbers indicate that although chemotherapy can cause mental challenges, most of the patients under study can manage their mental health well.

Q: What can cause stress, anxiety, and depression in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy?

A: Stress, anxiety, and depression can be caused by a variety of factors, including the physical and emotional demands of chemotherapy, changes in body image, and the fear of recurrence or death.

Q: How can breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy manage their mental health?

A: Breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy can manage their mental health by seeking support from family and friends, engaging in relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing, and seeking professional help from a mental health provider.

Q: What role does family involvement play in the healing process of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy?

A: Family involvement is crucial in the healing process of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Family members can provide emotional support, help with daily tasks, and provide a sense of security and stability.

Q: What are some effective mental health interventions for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy?

A: Some effective mental health interventions for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and family therapy.

Q: How can healthcare providers support breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy?

A: Healthcare providers can support breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy by providing emotional support, educating patients about their treatment options, and referring patients to mental health providers if needed.

Q: What are some resources available for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy?

A: Some resources available for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy include the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Q: What is the importance of taking a holistic approach in handling breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy?

A: Taking a holistic approach in handling breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy means considering the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients. This can include providing emotional support, educating patients about their treatment options, and referring patients to mental health providers if needed.

Q: What are some future research directions for investigating stress, anxiety, and depression in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy?

A: Some future research directions for investigating stress, anxiety, and depression in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy include developing effective mental health interventions, investigating the impact of family involvement on mental health outcomes, and exploring the role of spirituality in the healing process.

Q: What are some limitations of this study?

A: Some limitations of this study include the small sample size, the use of a descriptive design, and the lack of generalizability to other populations.

Q: What are some implications of this study for healthcare providers and policymakers?

A: Some implications of this study for healthcare providers and policymakers include the need to provide emotional support and education to breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, the importance of family involvement in the healing process, and the need to develop effective mental health interventions for patients undergoing chemotherapy.