Open Access

ARTICLE

Associated Factors of Anxiety Symptoms in Patients with Keratinocyte Carcinoma: A Cross-Sectional Study

Qian Liu^1,#, Hui Zhang^1,#, Juan Gao², Meiping Sha¹, Lijun Shen¹, Xianfeng Cheng^3,*, Hao Chen^4,*

1 No. 4 Ward, Hospital for Skin Diseases and Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China
2 Department of One-Stop Service Center, Hospital for Skin Diseases and Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China
3 Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China
4 Pathology Department, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China

* Corresponding Authors: Xianfeng Cheng. Email: ; Hao Chen. Email:
# These authors contributed equally to this work

Psycho-Oncologie 2024, 18(3), 213-221. https://doi.org/10.32604/po.2024.052607

Received 28 April 2024; Accepted 27 May 2024; Issue published 12 September 2024

Abstract

Background: Keratinocyte carcinoma (KC) is a common malignancy characterized by a high recurrence rate and considerable psychological distress. The incidence of KC is increasing in China, raising concerns about its psychological consequences and adverse effects on quality of life. Demographic and clinical factors are thought to influence mental health outcomes in these patients. Nonetheless, data on the prevalence of anxiety in Chinese patients with KC and the factors associated with this anxiety are notably lacking. Therefore, a comprehensive investigation into the anxiety of patients with KC is imperative. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of anxiety in patients with KC, a disease that can significantly affect a patient’s appearance and overall quality of life. Understanding the level of anxiety in this population is critical to developing targeted interventions, improving treatment outcomes, supporting mental health, and improving patient care practices. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at China’s largest dermatology hospital from November 2017 to September 2022. A consecutive sampling method was used to recruit participants. Anxiety status was surveyed by the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). Explanatory variables were surveyed by demographic data questionnaires. Non-parametric test and Chi-square test analyses were used to compare the differences between groups. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with anxiety. Results: A total of 192 patients with KC were included. The median score of SAS was 35 (IQR 16.25). The prevalence of anxiety in patients with KC was 20.8%. Females (p = 0.008), under 60 years old (p = 0.011), living in rural (p = 0.010) or urban areas (p = 0.029), having fewer than three children (p = 0.016), with a history of skin diseases (p < 0.001), with a history of long-term oral medication (p = 0.001), and experiencing pain or itching (p = 0.001) had SAS scores that were significantly higher than their counterparts. Conclusion: This study showed that the prevalence of anxiety was very high among Chinese patients with KC, especially among women, young patients, rural residents, patients with fewer than three children, and individuals with a history of skin disease, long-term oral medications, or symptoms of pain or itching. Targeted psychological interventions for these specific populations should be implemented to effectively alleviate anxiety and improve quality of life in these at-risk groups.

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