Factors associated with depression and the relationship to quality of life among Saudi women with breast cancer

Abstract

Background and objective: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women worldwide, diagnosis and treatment and the months following primary therapy associated with different psychological symptoms that affect quality of life (QoL) in most women with breast cancer. The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between depression and quality of life QoL among Saudi women with breast cancer.

Methods: Design: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Methods: A convenience sample of 370 women with breast cancer was recruited from the out-clinic in King Faisal Specialist Hospital \& Research Center (KFSH&RC). Data were collected using self-report tools derived from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Emotional Distress-Depression-Short Form; the EORTC quality of life questionnaire (QLQ) (EORTC QLQ-C30, v.3.0 and EORTC QLQ-BR23); and from the Demographic and Clinical Data Sheet.

Results: The correlation between depression and global health status with functioning subscales for the women was negative (Pearson’s r = -.357, p < .001; r = -.368, p < .001); whereas a positive correlation was found between depression and symptom subscales, together with its items.

Conclusions: This study shows that depression is associated with QoL among Saudi women diagnosed with breast cancer. Therefore, depression affects upon QoL among the breast cancer population. However, enhancement of mental health statuses and psychological interventions helps to reduce the severity of depression and improves health related QoL among this population.