Factors associated with psychological burden of breast cancer in women in Morocco: cross-sectional study

Background Depression and anxiety are among the psychological diagnoses impacting individuals diagnosed with breast cancer. This study aims to estimate the prevalence, as well as the predictors, of anxiety and depression in women with breast cancer.Materials and methods This was a cross-sectional, multi-center study conducted over an eight-month period among women with breast cancer in oncology centers in southern Morocco. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the validated Moroccan dialectal version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADs). To identify the predictors of anxiety and depression in the study population. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed, including variables for which univariate analyses were significant with a p < 0.05 value. Statistical analyses were performed using Jamovi software version 2.2.3.Results A total of 230 participant responses were collected. The prevalence of anxiety and depression was 77.4% and 62.6%, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed the following factors increased anxiety: being younger than 50 years old, not having studied beyond elementary school, having children aged between 10 and 18 and having TNM stage III and IV. The following factors decreased anxiety in patients with breast cancer: good physical functioning (Karnofsky score), satisfaction with social support and financial support. Regarding depression, the following factors decreased depression: good physical functioning (Karnofsky score), a minimum of 2.5 h per week of physical activity, active occupational status, satisfaction with social support and financial support. In contrast, the recurrence of breast cancer was an associated factor with increased depression.Conclusion The prevalence of anxiety and depression in women with breast cancer is very high in our context. Therefore, routine screening tests for depression and anxiety as well as psychosocial management care are necessary for patients with breast cancer in Morocco.