Relationship between Body Image Concerns, Depression and Suicidal Ideation Among Elderly Patients with Cancer

Document Type : Original Article

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1 Gerontological Nursing department, Faculty of Nursing Mansoura university

2 Gerontological Nursing department, Faculty of Nursing -Mansoura university

10.21608/mnj.2025.355796.1483

Abstract

Background: Cancer is a disease of aging causes a variety of mental and physical health conditions. The impact of cancer and its treatment on body image can lead to depression and suicidal thoughts. Aim: Assess the relationship between body image concerns, depression and suicidal ideation among elderly patients with cancer. Method: A descriptive, correlational research design was utilized. A convenience sample of 208 elderly patients with cancer was recruited for this study. The study was conducted at Outpatient Clinics of Oncology Center, Mansoura University. Four tools were used. Tool I: Structured Interview Schedule, Tool II: Hopwood Body Image Scale, Tool III: Geriatric Depression Scale (short form) and Tool IV: Scale for Suicidal Ideation. Results: It was found that 52.0% of the elderly patients with cancer had mild level of body image concerns, 72.1% of them had moderate level of depression, while 81.7% of elderly patients with cancer had no suicidal ideation. Conclusion: There was a statistically significant strong positive correlation between level of body image concerns of elderly patients with cancer and their level of depression. Moreover, there was a statistically significant strong positive correlation between level of depression of elderly patients with cancer and their suicidal ideation, while a statistically significant negative correlation was found between their level of body image concerns and suicidal ideation. Recommendations: Designing educational programs to improve awareness of elderly patients with cancer about cancer treatment, side effects, body image concerns, depression symptoms, warning signs of suicide for early detection and preventing its worsening.

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