The effect of pilot cognitive restructuring therapy intervention on depression in female cancer patients

ABSTRACT Introduction

The experience of depression is common among cancer

patients and has been found to be significantly associated

with impaired quality of life [1]. In Nigeria, despite documented

cases of depression among cancer patients in different

clinics [2], psychosocial support for depression

and other emotional, social, or psychological problems

for this population is not widely documented.

The need for psychosocial interventions and support

is particularly crucial in Africa with ‘regard’ to ‘the’ frequent

misconceptions in the origin of cancer as the result

of spiritual or supernatural cause and curses [3].

Such misconceptions tend to affect mood and feelings

negatively and may lead to depression. Depression in

cervical cancer patients may emerge from feelings of

stigmatization from others that patients are being

punished by the gods for engaging in extra-marital affairs

[4]. On the other hand, some women who have

had mastectomy as a result of breast cancer may experience

depression due to feeling mutilated, losing sense of

femininity, mourning the loss of the breast, or worrying

about the possibility of still retaining their husbands’ affection

after surgery [3]. Cognitive restructuring around

these beliefs may be useful in decreasing the emotional

attention given to them and thereby reducing the experience

of depression.

Previous studies have found cognitive interventions or a

combination of cognitive and behavioral intervention useful

in managing mild to moderate depression [5]. The current

study presents initial data on the feasibility and

acceptability of a pilot cognitive restructuring intervention

and its impact on depression outcomes in a group of female

cancer patients in Nigeria.