Work

Demographic Disparities in Diagnosis and Treatment of Anxiety and Depressive Disorders in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The associations between head and neck cancer (HNC) and anxiety and depression are well-known, but knowledge regarding the association between demographic factors and rates of diagnosis and treatment for these disorders among HNC survivors is incomplete. METHODS: This retrospective study utilized propensity score matching to compare rates of selected new anxiety and/or depressive disorder diagnoses among HNC survivors and treatment of those disorders by sex, race, ethnicity, and language. RESULTS: Results suggested lower likelihood of anxiety and/or depressive disorder diagnosis among individuals of male sex, and any minority, African American, Asian, and Other race, while diagnosis rates were higher among native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders. Treatment with pharmacotherapy was less likely among individuals of male sex, any minority and African American Asian race, Hispanic ethnicity, and Spanish language. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that mental health diagnosis and treatment among HNC survivors may be inequitable, although further research is necessary to confirm these associations and understand underlying mechanisms.

Source: Head & Neck

DOI: 10.1002/hed.28103

Authors: Tyler J. Gallagher, Ryan S. Chung, Nyree Khachikyan, Matthew E. Lin, Niels C. Kokot

Institutions: University of Southern California, University of California, Los Angeles

Language: English

Topic: Cancer survivorship and care

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,760