To Study the Difference in Cognitive Function and Sleep Quality in Adults Diagnosed with Cancer and Adults Who Are Undiagnosed

Abstract

Cognitive decline and sleeping problems are now more acknowledged as important but neglected facets of cancer care. The current research aims to assess the difference in cognitive functioning and sleep quality in early-stage cancer patients and healthy individuals using appropriate diagnostic psychometric instruments. The study employed a cross-sectional comparative design recruiting 120 participants aged 30–50 years, including 60 diagnosed cancer patients (stage 1 or 2, no active intensive chemotherapy) and 60 matched healthy controls. Cognitive functioning and sleep quality were evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) respectively. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, Shapiro-Wilk normality, Mann-Whitney U, and Independent Samples T-tests. Result indicates significant difference in cognitive functioning between cancer patients (M = 22.63, SD = 2.34) and adult controls (M = 26.28, SD = 1.51), with large effect size (Cohen’s d=-1.09). Additionally, sleep quality was also markedly worse in cancer patients (M=5.05, SD=1.21) than controls (M=4.01, SD=1.35) with a moderate to large effect size (Cohen’s d=0.77). Analysis based on sex showed that female cancer patients had relatively higher cognitive scores and sleep quality compared to male counterparts. The results emphasize the importance of incorporating psychosocial and neurocognitive evaluations into standard oncology practices in under-resourced regions, such as India. Patients’ quality of life and treatment compliance can be improved with proactive screening and customized interventions.