Impacto del cáncer colorrectal en los síntomas de depresión y ansiedad en pacientes y sus parejas

Impact of colorectal cancer on depressive and anxiety symptoms in patients and their couples

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of sex and colostomy variables on symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and their couples. Method: The sample consisted of patients with CRC (n = 95) and their respective couples (n = 95). The severity of anxiety-depressive symptomatology and the presence of a colostomy were assessed. Results: The severity of anxiety symptoms increased significantly (p < .0001; d = .82) in the couples group compared to patients. Regarding gender, anxiety (p < .0001; η²p = .28) and depression (p = .02; η²p = .05) were significantly increased in female couples of men with CRC. Similarly, in terms of colostomy status, the severity of anxiety increased in the group of couples with colostomized CRC patients (p = .02; η²p = .02). Conclusions: This study suggests that gender and colostomy status have a strong impact on anxiety and depression symptoms in couples of patients with CRC.