Depression and anxiety in women with breast cancer in Erbil city: a case-control study

Abstract

Background and objectives: Breast cancer has specific challenges for women. This study was carried out to identify the frequency of depression and anxiety in women with breast cancer.. Methods:A hospital based case-control study was carried out in Erbil city from August, 15 th to November, 1 st 2010. The convenient sample included 100 cases of diagnosed breast cancer for the last three years attending Maternity and Nanakali hospitals and two hundred age-matched (± 5 years) non-cancer women attending the Maternity hospital for gynaecological conditions were taken as a control group. Results:The mean ± SD ages of cases and controls were 45.51 ± 8.87.4 and 44.57 ± 8.59 years, respectively (P=0.378). The proportion of depression among cases (69%) was higher than that among controls (17.5%) (P<0.001), and the proportion of anxiety among cases (56%) was higher than that among controls (16%) (P<0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis of risk factors for depression revealed that breast cancer (OR=10.531), owned home (OR=0.463), and years of formal education (OR=0.917) have a statistically significant association with depression. While breast cancer (OR=8.735) and parity (OR=1.167) have a statistically significant association with anxiety and borderline anxiety. Conclusion:Increased levels of depression and anxiety after a diagnosis of breast cancer highlight the need for dedicated psychiatric service provision.

Effect of Relaxation Training Techniques on Anxiety and Depression among Breast Cancer Patients

“…Thus, scores on each subscale range from 0 to 21. High scores indicate relatively severe symptoms; the severity of symptoms is interpreted as normal (0-7), borderline abnormal (borderline case) (8-10), abnormal anxiety (case) (11)(12)(13)(14), and high [25].…”

“…A study done in Erbil city revealed that increased levels of anxiety and depression after a diagnosis of BC highlight the need for dedicated psychiatric service provision. Psychological interventions for women with BC should involve an account of the broader social context in which cancer occurs, with a focus on improving social support [14].…”

Anxiety and Depression Levels with Risk Factors of Breast Cancer Patients in Erbil City – Iraq

“…One large cohort study found pure anxiety symptoms in 14.7% [7]. According to the study done by Kameran et al (2012) in Erbil city -Iraq, increased levels of melancholy and anxiety following a breast cancer diagnosis underscore the need for specialized psychiatric services [8].Breast cancer risk factors include both social and biological aspects including women's age, menarche at a young age, delayed first birth and menopause, nulliparity, short-term lactation, birth control pills, obesity, excessive fat consumption, hormone replacements Moreover, several epidemiological and clinical investigations have identified women with a family history of breast cancer as significant risk factors for the disease. On the other hand, the majority of breast cancer intervention literature suggests that modifiable risk factors can be avoided by promoting a healthy diet, regular physical activity, regulating alcohol consumption, and controlling weight, all of which are likely to reduce breast cancer incidence over time [9].…”