The Influence of Depression, Sleep Quality, and Mental Health Literacy on the Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients

Purpose: This study aims to measure the impact of depression, sleep quality, and mental health literacy on the quality of life in patients with breast cancer. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed with the participation of 148 hospitalized breast cancer patients. The data analysis utilized independent t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and stepwise multiple linear regression. Results: The mean score of quality of life was 85.60 +/- 9.43, indicating significant differences according to perceived economic status, the time since diagnosis, and the use of hypnotics and antidepressants. Depression, sleep quality, and mental health literacy were found to have a significant association with quality of life. The regression analyses showed that significant predictors on quality of life were depression (beta=-.64, p<.001), sleep quality (beta=.19, p=.002), and mental health literacy (beta =.11, p=.035). These variables explained 61.0% of the impact on the quality of life in the breast cancer patients. Conclusion: To enhance the quality of life for breast cancer patients, it will be essential to create a nursing program aimed at reducing depression, improving sleep quality, and enhancing mental health literacy.