Abstract:

Background: The diagnosis of breast cancer and the traumatic treatment can cause profound emotional distress for breast cancer patients. Several psychological disorders are experienced by the patient with breast cancer at all the time studies have identified. However, the psychological disorder interventions during breast cancer management has not been elucidated, and the psychological needs of breast cancer patients are not adequately addressed. Between 35% and 50% of patients experience ‘clinically significant psychological distress’ and therefore require supportive care from health care professionals. Hence this study is crucial in such a way that it will find a solution of the gap which exists.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and associated psychological factors of Anxiety and Depression among patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy at Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza.

Methods: A cross-sectional design involved one hundred and thirty one breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at Bugando Medical Centre, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to determine the prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety of breast cancer patients. The researches designed questionnaire was used to evaluate associated psychological factors of depression and anxiety. Data were analyzed by using STATA version 13. Chi square test and logistic regression were used in data analysis.

Results: According to Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Prevalence of depression among breast cancer patient in chemotherapy was 27 (20.6%). While, prevalence of anxiety in this study was 13 (9.9%). Severity of depression was significantly associated to having health insurance (p value 0.023 OR 0.438), religion (p value 0.045 OR 1.017) familial history of breast cancer (p value 0.041 OR 1.756)

Conclusion: Most of the factors associated with the depression and anxiety were those related to the patients herself rather than to the breast cancer diagnosis or its treatment.