Objective: Cancer is a rapidly growing public health problem in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Mental health disorders are common comorbidities among cancer patients. Studies reported that one third of people diagnosed with cancer also wind up struggling with a mental health disorder such as anxiety and depression.Common mental health disorders (CMDs) negatively affect the quality of life, treatment adherence and overall prognosis of cancer patients, however, there is little information available on the extent of CMDs among cancer patients in developing country like Ethiopia. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study among 179 cancer outpatients on follow-up at a teaching hospital in Addis Ababa. We assessed CMD using the Kessler 10.We also examined the severity and associated factors. Data was collected from September 1 to October 31, 2020.

Results: The majority (64.8%) of study participants were females. Forty-nine (27.4%) met the criteria for CMD at the time of assessment. According to the Kessler 10 severity classification, 10.6%, 9.5%, and 7.3% of the participants were found to have mild, moderate and severe CMDs respectively. Having a chronic medical illness, family history of CMD, & unemployment. were significantly associated with CMDs, (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: CMD is significantly prevalent among cancer patients. Early screening, diagnosis and management should be integral part of management of cancer patients.

Keywords: Cancer, Common mental health disorders, Ethiopia, Kessler 10