Alcoholism, depression, and abnormal cognition in head and neck cancer: a pilot study.

Objective: To determine prevalence of alcohol abuse and dependency, depression, and cognitive impairment in presurgical head and neck cancer patients.

Study Design: Standardized testing by diagnostic interview was used to determine major depression and alcoholism. Mattis Dementia Rating Scale examined cognitive ability preoperatively.

Relation of family history of prostate cancer to perceived vulnerability and screening behavior.

Men with a positive family history of prostate cancer are known to be at increased risk for the disease; however, relatively little is known about their risk perceptions or screening behavior. To address these issues, the current study examined the relationship of family history of prostate cancer to perceived vulnerability of developing prostate cancer and prostate cancer screening practices. Participants were 83 men with a positive family history of prostate cancer and 83 men with a negative family history of prostate cancer.

Predictors of depression and life satisfaction among spousal caregivers in hospice: application of a stress process model.

Using a stress process model, risk factors (caregiving stressors, caregiver health, and negative social interactions) and protective factors (caregiving appraisals and social resources) were examined as predictors of family caregiver well-being (depression and life satisfaction). Eighty spousal caregivers of hospice patients with dementia or lung cancer completed structured interviews and self-report measures assessing components of the stress process model. Results suggest that objective measures of patient impairment or amount of care provided are not strong predictors of caregiver depression or life satisfaction.