Demoralization and depression in Chinese cancer patients

Objective Demoralization and depression are common in cancer patients and closely related to suicide. But the association and difference between them are not clear. The aim of this study is to investigate demoralization and depression in Chinese cancer patients. Methods This study is a cross-sectional study. Two hundred ninety-six cancer patients completed the questionnaire. First is using the DS-II to evaluate demoralization in advanced cancer patients and using the PHQ-9 to evaluate their depression. Then determine the association between demoralization and depression by Pearson rank correlation test. Finally, an ANOVA was conducted using DS-II as the categorical variable and PHQ-9 as the continuous variable and using PHQ-9 as the categorical variable and DS-II as the continuous variable. Results There is a positive association between demoralization and depression. A special case that patients with high demoralization but low depression was discovered, which accounted for a large proportion. Conclusion Demoralization and depression are two different psychological states, which require medical staff to identify and take corresponding intervention measures in time. Patients with high demoralization but low depression require further attention.