Depression and Coping Strategies among Parents of Children with Cancer in Malaysia

Depressive symptoms have been reported to be more prominent in parents of children with cancer. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) and its association with socio-demographic factors and coping strategies among parents of children with cancer at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) and Penang General Hospital (PGH). In a cross-sectional study, participants were screened for depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The diagnosis of MDD for those with high risk was established using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.). Coping strategies were assessed using Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory (Brief COPE) scale. Out of the 162 parents included in the study, 17.3% of participants had moderate to severe depressive symptoms. About 10% had moderate symptoms while 7.4% had severe symptoms. All 7.4% were diagnosed with MDD. Participants who adopted the use of denial (ß = 0.611), behavioural disengagement (ß = 0.992) and self blame (ß = 0.682) had higher likelihood of having depressive symptoms. Child’s duration of illness (ß = -0.028) had a significant negative impact on PHQ-9 scores. In conclusion, parents of children with cancer should be screened for depression during this challenging time.