Factors Associated With Depression in Breast Cancer Patients in Saudi Arabia

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Psychiatry
• Sociology

Background:

• Depressive symptoms are a significant concern for Arab women with breast cancer (AWBC) in Saudi Arabia.
• Factors such as spirituality, religiosity, social support, and stigma may influence these symptoms.
• Limited research exists on the interplay of these factors in AWBC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the factors influencing depressive symptoms in Arab women with breast cancer (AWBC) in Saudi Arabia.
• To understand the specific roles of spirituality, religiosity, social support, and stigma.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional design with convenience sampling of 59 AWBC undergoing active treatment in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
• Online or paper-based surveys collected data on sociodemographics, social support, spirituality, religiosity, depressive symptoms, and breast cancer stigma.
• Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses examined factor influences; t-tests compared survey modes.

Main Results:

• The average age of participants was 49 years.
• Mean depressive symptom score was 20.52.
• High depressive symptoms correlated with low spirituality/religiosity and high breast cancer stigma.

Conclusions:

• Religiosity and spirituality act as protective factors against depressive symptoms in AWBC.
• These findings highlight the importance of integrating spiritual and religious elements into care plans for AWBC.