Psychosocial distress and the preferred method of delivery of mind-body interventions among patients with head-and-neck cancer

Objective: To describe the psychosocial distress of head-and-neck cancer patients at the completion of therapy and the interest in and the preferred method of delivery of mind-body interventions (MBIs) among head-and-neck cancer patients. Materials and methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used to measure sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, and the interest in and the preference for MBIs using anonymous, self-report questionnaires among a convenience sample of 30 males at their 3-month follow-up. Questionnaires included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the self-created Survey for Preferred Methods of MBI. Frequency distributions and descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample demographic and clinical characteristics. Results: The mean age of the sample was 59 years. Oral cancer (63%) was the most common type of cancer. Nineteen participants (63%, 90% CI 47%-78%) had some interest in MBIs. Of interested participants, 8 (42%) preferred participating in MBIs alone, 10 (53%) preferred participating in MBIs at homes, 10 (53%) preferred participating in MBIs using a computer or mobile device, and 8 (42%) preferred participating in MBIs after the diagnosis, but before treatment started. Mean depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance scores were 8.25 (SD 2.93), 5.41 (SD 3.52), and 6.3 (SD 3.86), respectively. Results from the independent-samples t-test and Mann-Whitney U tests revealed no significant differences in anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance by MBI interest. Conclusion: Asking about depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances may help to identify head-and-neck cancer patients at risk for psychosocial distress. These findings suggest an interest in MBIs, but further research is warranted.