Anxiety, depression, perceived social support and quality of life in Malaysian breast cancer patients: A 1-year prospective study

Abstract

Background

Depression and anxiety were common psychiatric morbidity among breast cancer patient. This study aims to study the level of depression, anxiety, QoL and PSS among Malaysian breast cancer women over a period of 12 months and their associations at baseline, 6 and 12 months.

Methods

It is a 12-months prospective cohort study. Two hundred and twenty one female patients were included into the study. They were assessed at the time of diagnosis, 6 months and 12 month using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (QLQ–C30), Version 3.0 and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Relevant socio-clinical characteristic information was collected.

Results

The HADS anxiety and depression subscales scores of the subjects were relatively low. The level of anxiety reduced significantly at 6 and 12 months (baseline – 6 months, P = 0.002; baseline – 12 months, P < 0.001). There were no changes in the level of depression over the study period. The global status of QoL and MSPSS scores were relatively high. There was positively correlation between the global status of QoL and MSPSS for the study subjects (Spearman's rho = 0.31–0.36). Global status of QoL and MSPSS scores were negatively correlated with anxiety and depression.

Conclusion

Malaysian breast cancer women had relatively better QoL with lower level of anxiety and depression. Perceived social support was important associated factor for better QoL with low level of psychological distress. It reflected the importance of enhancing and maintaining the social support system for breast cancer patients.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.