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

Julia R. Van Liew, Rebecca L. Brock, Alan J. Christensen, Lucy Hynds Karnell, Nitin A. Pagedar, Gerry F. Funk

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)370-379
Number of pages10
JournalHead and Neck
Volume39
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2017

Keywords

  • depressive symptoms
  • head and neck cancer
  • nutrition
  • weight loss

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Otorhinolaryngology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Weight loss after head and neck cancer: A dynamic relationship with depressive symptoms'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this