Date of Award

12-2023

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MS in Epidemiology & Biostatistics

First Advisor

Dr. Tazeen Ali

Second Advisor

Dr. Yasmin Rashid

Third Advisor

Ms. Fauzia Basaria

Department

Community Health Sciences

Abstract

Objective: The primary objectives of the study was to estimate the mean score of psychological distress and to determine the association between perceived infertility and psychological distress among adult women receiving chemotherapy in a tertiary care hospital Karachi, Pakistan. Secondary objective was to determine the association of psychological distress with other associated factors in these women’s. We hypothesized that the correlation between psychological distress and perceived infertility will be different from the -0.25.
Design: Analytics Cross-Sectional Study
Setting: Daycare and Oncology clinics of tertiary care hospital in Karachi Pakistan. Participants: A sample size of 137 individuals was determined, and 150 participants successfully completed the survey. Inclusion criteria involved female patient’s aged 18 to 50 undergoing chemotherapy without pre-existing infertility issues. Exclusion criteria included a prior psychiatric diagnosis, surgery or history of reproductive organ cancer, pregnancy, and single/unmarried status.
Outcome Measures: The psychological score was assessed through Fertility Problem Inventory Scale and associated factors were evaluated through structure questionnaire.
Results: Participants, with a mean age of 39.753 ± 6.850, demonstrated an average psychological distress level of 79.30 ± 1.30. Multivariable analysis revealed that women not planning to have children (β=6.43, 95% CI=2.21, 10.64) and those undergoing radiation therapy (β=20.86, 95% CI=15.77, 25.94) were significantly associated with psychological distress. Perceived infertility itself did not exhibit a direct association with psychological distress. However, there was an interaction between perceived infertility and family status, leading to a negative effect (β=-2.5, 95% CI=-4.7, -0.2).
Conclusion: Notably, fertility concerns indirectly contributed to heightened distress in cancer patients, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support and interventions. Healthcare providers should proactively address these concerns, providing timely support to all women 7 | P a g e undergoing cancer treatment. This approach can alleviate distress and enhance the overall psychological well-being of cancer patients.

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1

Last Page

92

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