THE EFFICACY OF GROUP COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY ON CANCER RELATED FATIGUE, ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION, AMONG NIGERIAN WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER.

Abstract

Group cognitive behaviour therapy (GCBT) had been reported to reduce CRF, anxiety and depression among breast cancer patients particularly in Western countries However, little is known about the effectiveness of CBT in managing CRF and emotional distress in Nigerian women with breast cancer. The study investigated the effectiveness of a group CBT on CRF, anxiety, and depression among Nigerian women with breast cancer. The study comprised 15 women with breast cancer who were allocated randomly to group CBT (N=8) or to a waiting list condition (7). While both groups received their standard oncology care, the treatment group received an 8 week, 90min session of CBT. Assessments were carried out for both conditions at baseline, immediately after the intervention and 6 months. The measures of the primary outcome variables were Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory and Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale. Data were analysed with independent sampled T test. The results showed that participants in the CBT had significant lower scores in the three dimensions of MFI (general fatigue, mental fatigue, and reduced motivation), depression and anxiety compared to participants in the control groups both at post-treatment and 6-months follow-up. CBT group also had significant reduction in reduced activity at 6-months follow-up. This preliminary study demonstrated that group CBT is effective in significantly reducing the impact of CRF, anxiety and depression on Nigerian breast cancer patients. The CBT represents an excellent complement to other oncology treatment and should be included as an essential part of oncology management in Nigeria.