Impact of Anxiety and Depression on Quality of Life in Elderly Patients with Brain Tumor

Background: Psychological health plays a crucial role in the well-being and quality of life. Diagnosis of brain tumor and subsequent surgery can have a significant impact on a patient’s well-being especially with the natural course of ageing. The uncertainty of the diagnosis, the potential impact on daily functioning, after effects of the surgery can all contribute to psychological distress, including anxiety and depression in an elderly person. The aim of the present study is to find the influence of depression and anxiety on the quality of life of elderly people who underwent brain tumor resection. Method: Using descriptive research design a sample of 50 post operative patients between age group 55-75 were selected. The Malayalam version of HADS and WHOQOL-BREF were administered along with exploring other sociodemographic variables. Results: Correlational analysis, ANOVA and post hoc tests were employed. The results showed that high anxiety levels were associated with a lower QoL (p = .006). However, depression levels did not have a significant impact on QoL. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between general health and QoL score (r = 0.685, p < .001), indicating that better general health was associated with a better QoL. Conclusion: Study suggest that psychological and physical factors should be considered when assessing and treating the elderly people who underwent brain tumor resection. The results might help the rehabilitation professionals, doctors as well the caregivers of post operative patients to understand their psychological well-being and adapt appropriate measures to support them for speedy recovery as well.