The prevalence and correlates of depression among patients with breast cancer, attending outpatient clinics at two cancer units in Sri Lanka

Background

Breast cancer is an invasive type of malignancy prevalent among females worldwide. Global figures indicate that depression occurs in 32.2% females with breast cancer. The prevalence and correlates of depression among patients with breast cancer in Sri Lanka are largely unknown. A better understanding ofthese data is essential to identify the burden of the disease and to plan appropriate interventions.

 

Aims

The aims of the study were to describe the prevalence of depression among patients with breast cancer in Sri Lanka and to identify associated socio-demographic and clinical factors.

 

Methods

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in two cancer units. Participants included females with pathologically proven breast cancer attending oncology clinics, and the sample size was 335. Participants were screened for depression using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Socio-demographic and clinical information regarding the cancer was collected using a questionnaire.

 

Results

The prevalence of clinical depression in the sample was 24.5%. There was a significant association between the occurrence of depression and the participant age, partner’s employment status, menopausal state, having dependent children, degree of social support, metastatic stage of cancer, past target therapy, and current hormonal therapy. Logistic regression analysis indicated a significant association between the degree of social support received and the presence of depression.

 

Conclusions

Almost a quarter of patients with breast cancer in this study were depressed. Patients’ perception of the degree of social support appears to be a very significant predictor of depression in this group.