Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42210438›Full record

ArticleBMC psychology2026

Screen-detected cognitive impairment, psychological distress, and quality of life in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in Yemen.

Al-Hassan Alkhafaji, Haidara Alkhafaji, Mohammed Alabsi, Mohammed Alarasi, Sayida Al-Jamei

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC psychology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

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0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Review
4 · The record

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PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Al-Hassan AlkhafajiDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Medical Science and Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Sana'a, Yemen.
Haidara AlkhafajiDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Medical Science and Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Sana'a, Yemen.
Mohammed AlabsiDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Medical Science and Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Sana'a, Yemen.
Mohammed AlarasiDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Medical Science and Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Sana'a, Yemen.
Sayida Al-JameiDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Medical Science and Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Sana'a, Yemen. saydaahmed1@yahoo.com.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundCancer care in Yemen faces limited data and resources. Chemotherapy may cause cognitive, psychological, and quality-of-life complications. This study assesses the prevalence of screen-positive cognitive impairment (based on MoCA screening), anxiety, depression, and quality-of-life outcomes, as well as their associated factors, among Yemeni patients.

methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in June-July 2025 at the National Oncology Center, Sana'a, involving adult cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Cognitive function (MoCA), anxiety/depression (HADS), and quality of life (SF-12) were assessed via structured interviews, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression (SPSS v28, p < 0.05).

resultsAmong 167 patients, most were male (64.7%), married (83.8%), and in advanced cancer stages (81.3%). Only 6% had normal cognition, while 94% demonstrated screen-positive cognitive impairment, particularly in language and visuospatial domains. Borderline or abnormal anxiety and depression were observed in approximately 20% of patients. Mean PCS-12 (40.4) and MCS-12 (43.2) scores indicated reduced health-related quality of life. In multivariable regression, the cognitive model was significant and explained 41.7% of the variance (adjusted R² = 0.417). Older age (B = - 2.39), male sex (B = - 3.43), and smoking (B = - 1.42) were associated with lower cognition, whereas higher education was positively associated (B = 2.34). The PCS-12 and MCS-12 models explained 11.6% (adjusted R² = 0.046) and 10.0% (adjusted R² = 0.028) of the variance but were not significant overall. Higher education (B = 1.49) and smoking (B = - 2.44) were associated with physical health, while employment (B = 3.71) and metastasis (B = 3.41) were associated with mental health.

conclusionCognitive, psychological, and quality-of-life impairments are highly prevalent among Yemeni cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Education, lifestyle, and clinical factors significantly influence these outcomes, underscoring the need for tailored interventions and supportive care in resource-limited settings. These findings can guide policy and clinical practice by promoting routine screening and tailored supportive care in oncology settings.

Indexed as

Antineoplastic AgentsAnxietyCognitive DysfunctionDepressionNeoplasmsPsychological DistressQuality of LifeAdultAgedCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedYemenAntineoplastic AgentsAnxietyCancer patientsChemotherapyDepressionScreen-Detected Cognitive ImpairmentYemen

Identifiers

PMID42210438
PMCPMC13397810

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.