Factors that Influence the Incidence of Depression in Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

The prevalence of psychological distress in breast cancer patients is high, and they are at higher risk of experiencing severe anxiety, depression, and potential mood disorders. Depression that occurs in breast cancer patients is influenced by several factors. This study aims to determine the factors that influence the incidence of depression in breast cancer patients. The population of this study were all breast cancer patients in the outpatient clinic for oncology surgery and inpatient building A Zone A 2 nd floor at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital Jakarta, the sample in this study was 102 respondents. The research design used in this study was cross-sectional. The measuring instrument used to measure the incidence of depression is to use depression screening tools in accordance with those used at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital Jakarta. Items assessing socio-demography, physical symptom burden, social support, and medical and medication history, with complementary medical record reviews, were used to assess variables potentially associated with depressive symptoms. Logistic regression was used to identify associated factors. The incidence of depression in breast cancer patients was dominated by the group of respondents who did not experience depression as many as 57 people (55.9%), compared to the group of respondents who experienced depression as many as 45 people (44.1%). The results of the logistic regression showed that there was only family support variable which had a p = 0.002 < 0.005, meaning that family support was the most influential variable on the incidence of depression in breast cancer patients. It is recommended to reduce the incidence of depression, namely nurses should facilitate adequate family support for breast cancer patients to reduce the incidence of depression.