Weight loss after head and neck cancer: A dynamic relationship with depressive symptoms

Head Neck. 2017 Feb;39(2):370-379. doi: 10.1002/hed.24601. Epub 2016 Oct 5.

Abstract

Background: Weight loss and depressive symptoms are critical head and neck cancer outcomes, yet their relation over the illness course is unclear.

Methods: Associations between self-reported depressive symptoms and objective weight loss across the year after head and neck cancer diagnosis were examined using growth curve modeling techniques (n = 564).

Results: A reciprocal covariation pattern emerged-changes in depressive symptoms over time were associated with same-month changes in weight loss (t [1148] = 2.05; p = .041), and changes in weight loss were associated with same-month changes in depressive symptoms (t [556] = 2.43; p = .015). To the extent that depressive symptoms increased, patients lost incrementally more weight than was lost due to the passage of time and vice versa. Results also suggested that pain and eating-related quality of life might explain the reciprocal association between depressive symptoms and weight loss.

Conclusion: In head and neck cancer, a transactional interplay between depressive symptoms and weight loss unfolds over time. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 370-379, 2017.

Keywords: depressive symptoms; head and neck cancer; nutrition; weight loss.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cohort Studies
  • Comorbidity
  • Depression / diagnosis
  • Depression / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / epidemiology*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / psychology
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / surgery
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Quality of Life*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Self Report*
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Weight Loss*