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The prevalence of depression and anxiety in patients with cancer in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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Abstract

Background

Cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases and is recognized as a global problem that is currently showing a growing trend. Cancer is one of the most stressful circumstances that a person may experience. Given how the mental state of patients with depression and anxiety may have a negative impact on their experience with cancer, this study was conducted with the aim to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression in cancer patients in Iran.

Methods

This study was conducted using a systematic review method and based on the guideline Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020). The studies used were searched for via databases, Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), Google Scholar, SID, Magiran, and using keywords related to anxiety, depression, and cancer. After extracting the required data, statistical analysis was performed based on the random model and using the second version of Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software.

Results

In a review of 24 studies with a sample size of 3225 people, the overall prevalence of depression in cancer patients in Iran was reported to be 50.1% (95% CI: 40.6–59.6). Additionally, in a review of 15 studies with a sample size of 2009, the overall prevalence of anxiety in cancer patients in Iran was reported to be 40.9% (95% CI: 30.9–51.6). The highest reported prevalence of depression in cancer patients in Iran according to the Beck questionnaire is 64.6 (95% CI: 48.2–78.1). Specifically, the highest prevalence of depression was reported in patients with breast cancer with a prevalence of 66 (95% CI: 50.9–78.4). The highest prevalence of anxiety in patients with cancer in Iran according to the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale was 49.2 (95% CI: 18.9–80.1). Comparatively, the highest prevalence of anxiety in patients with breast cancer was reported to be 53.2 (95% CI: 25.8–78.7).

Conclusion

The prevalence of depression and anxiety among cancer patients in Iran, in particular patients with breast cancer, is significantly higher than in other parts of the world. The prevalence found in our study was even higher than the reported number by studies that have examined the disorder globally. Therefore, it is of great urgency for health system policymakers to work to improve the current situation.

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Data availability

Datasets are available through the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Abbreviations

SID :

Scientific Information Database

MESH :

Medical Subject Headings

WoS :

Web of Science

IARC :

International Agency for Research on Cancer

PRISMA :

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis

NOS :

Newcastle-Ottawa Scale

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Acknowledgements

This study is the result of research project No. 401000003 approved by the Deputy for Research and Technology, Gerash University of Medical Sciences. We would like to thank the esteemed officials of the center for the financial affords of this study.

Funding

By Deputy for Research and Technology, Gerash University of Medical Sciences (IR) (401000003). This deputy has no role in the study process.

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Contributions

ND, MM, and HGH contributed to the design; MM statistical analysis, and participated in most of the study steps. ND, MM, and ZR prepared the manuscript. ND, HGH, MM, HA, PSH, and SHSH assisted in designing the study, and helped in the interpretation of the study. All authors have read and approved the content of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Masoud Mohammadi.

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Ethics approval was received from the ethics committee of Deputy of Research and Technology, Gerash University of Medical Sciences (IR.GERUMS.REC.1401.008).

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Darvishi, N., Ghasemi, H., Rahbaralam, Z. et al. The prevalence of depression and anxiety in patients with cancer in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Support Care Cancer 30, 10273–10284 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-022-07371-1

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