A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Nurse Led Interventions on Anxiety and Depression Among Head and Neck Cancer Patients Admitted in Pravara Rural Hospital, Loni (Bk)

Background: Many of the cancer patients receiving cancer treatment does have variety of health problems and were found to be psychologically disturbed. Nurses play an important role in reducing the impact of physical and psychological problems / symptoms and improve the quality of life.

Objectives : A study was 1)To assess the Anxiety and Depression of head and neck cancer patients 2)To determine the effectiveness of Nurse Led Interventions on Anxiety and Depression of head and neck cancer patients and 3)To compare the Anxiety and Depression with their selected socio demographic variables.

Materials and Methods: Thirty head and neck cancer patients in the age group of above 18 years who were admitted in Pravara Rural hospital were studied. They were assessed for the level of anxiety and depression on the first day of admission followed by implementation of Nurse led Interventions like education, reinforcement (educative material like Pamphlets) and care (mouth care, oral care, breathing exercises, counseling and spiritual care) from admission to discharge. The post test was carried on the time of follow up visit. The data was analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics wherever required.

Results:It was noted that after the Nurse led intervention the level of anxiety and depression was significantly reduced from moderate to mild level.. There was a significant association was found between depression and the socio demographic variables like occupation, treatment of cancer and compliance with treatment. A positive relationship existed between the study variables like anxiety and depression.

Conclusion:The study outcome revealed that the nurse led intervention was found to be effective in reducing anxiety, and depression of head and neck cancer patients. It should be emphasized that nurse led intervention should be practiced and used routinely for the head and neck cancer patients to have better outcome of cancer treatment.