A Comparison of Two Scales to Determine Prevalence of Mood Disorders in Omani Patients Recently Diagnosed with Cancer

OBJECTIVES

Studies on the prevalence rate of mood disorders in patients recently diagnosed with cancer from Middle East are scare in the literature. Therefore, this study assesses the prevalence rates of anxiety and depression, and their associations with socio-demographic factors, in recently diagnosed patients with cancer living in the Sultanate of Oman.

METHODS

In this prospective study, adult patients were interviewed within the first three months of diagnosis of cancer using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale. Associations were studied among symptoms of anxiety and depression, and the socio-demographic factors, along with levels of agreement between the two scales.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine patients were interviewed, and 65% were females. Using the HADS tool, 41.6% of patients had anxiety, 28% had depression, whereas 5.6% displayed severe depression. Using the CES-D tool, 41.6% of patients had depression, and 11.2% had severe depression. A fair correlation between the CES-D and HADS tools was evidenced with a Cohen's Kappa coefficient value of 0.37 (P<0.001). The socio-demographic factors were not significantly associated with the presence of anxiety and depression (P >0.05).

CONCLUSION

Collectively, these findings indicate high prevalence rates of anxiety and depression in Omani patients recently diagnosed with cancer along with a significant correlation between the two scales. These results support the implementation of screening tools early in the trajectory of cancer illness to improve the overall healthcare of these patients.

Profile of Mental and Behavioral Disorders Among Preschoolers in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Oman: A Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVES

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of mental and behavioral disorders in preschoolers is critical for a better prognosis, ultimately leading to improved quality of life for both the child and the family. Our study investigated the clinical profile of mental and behavioral disorders in children < 7 years of age, seeking consultation at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, between 1 June 2006 and 31 December 2010. The objective was to explore demographic variables, intervention types, and annual trends.

METHODS

This retrospective, descriptive study was conducted by reviewing the electronic records of preschoolers seeking consultation on mental and behavioral disorders at the Department of Behavioral Medicine. The diagnosis was based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) criteria.

RESULTS

The total number of cases was 466, the majority (77.9%) being boys. The cumulative frequencies and annual hospital-based prevalence rates were estimated for each category of mental and behavioral disorders. Our findings showed increased service utilization among preschoolers, as reflected in the annual trend and case-specific prevalence rates. While comorbidity was common, the most frequent disorders encountered were attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (70.8%), developmental language disorder (23.6%), autism spectrum disorders (20.2%), and disruptive behavior disorders (11.6%). The most commonly prescribed drugs/supplementation were risperidone (18.7%), atomoxetine (9.7%), omega-3 (8.8%), and methylphenidate (6.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Consultations for mental and behavioral disorders are being sought for Omani preschoolers. Beside pharmacotherapy, other interventions, which are an integral part of a much desired multidisciplinary approach should be introduced. Readdressing the missing needs is essential for a comprehensive approach to managing mental and behavioral disorders.