ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the prevalence of psychological distress manifested as anxiety and depression among head and neck cancer patients admitted at the Philippine General Hospital. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional study that used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale- Pilipino (HADS- P) on head and neck cancer patients admitted at the Philippine General Hospital. RESULTS: Fifty-six percent of the 42 patients manifested symptoms of anxiety and 51 % had symptoms of depression while seventy six percent had a mix of anxiety and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms among peri-operative and operative otorhinolaryngology (ORL) patients; thus, the need for a continuing Consultation Liaison program among ORL patients with the goal of integrating psychosocial aspects in their comprehensive health care plan for surgical patients.