Prevalence and Determinants of Depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder among Female Patients Diagnosed with Breast Cancer Attending Two Referral Health Care Centres in Kano State, Nigeria
Background: Breast cancer is a major public health concern worldwide, with significant psychological implications. Depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are common comorbidities among cancer patients, potentially affecting treatment adherence, prognosis, and quality of life. Despite the increasing burden of breast cancer in Nigeria, limited research exists on the prevalence and determinants of these mental health disorders, particularly in Kano State, therefore, understanding the prevalence and determinants of these psychiatric disorders in this population is crucial for integrating mental health care into oncology services. Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of depression and generalized anxiety disorder among female breast cancer patients attending two referral healthcare centers in Kano State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 240 female breast cancer patients attending SOPD clinics at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano. Participants were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI Version 7.0) for depression and GAD. Socio-demographic (e.g., age, marital status, education) and clinical data (e.g., cancer stage, treatment type) were collected. Descriptive statistics were used to determine prevalence rates, while chi-square and Fisher’s exact test were used to analyze associations between depression and GAD. Factors that were significant in the bivariate analysis were subjected to binary logistic regression to determine independent determinants of depression and GAD. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of depression among the participants was 63.7% (95% CI: 57.4 - 69.7%), and GAD was 23.1% (95% CI: 16.4 - 27%). Age at diagnosis (≥45 years) was the only independent determinant of depression (AOR: 1.994, 95% CI: 1.076 - 3.679, p = 0.028). Conclusion: This study revealed a high prevalence of depression and GAD among female patients with breast cancer with age at diagnosis as the only independent determinant of depression among the participants.
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