| Abstract [eng] |
Breast cancer is one of the most common oncological diseases in women and an extreme psychological test accompanied by depression, anxiety and deteriorating quality of life. Aim. To identify interfaces of depression, anxiety, and quality of life in patients with breast cancer. Research methodology. A quantitative research was conducted using Geriatric Depression scale (GDS); Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7); Quality of Life Questionnaire (SF-36) (Appendix No.1). The research involved 311 women. SPSS 24.0 and Microsoft Excel 2010 software packages were used for statistical analysis of the research data. Results of the research. The study found that 59.2% of breast cancer patients experience depression of varying severity, among them 25.9% suffer from severe depression. The severity of depression was associated with younger age. Women who were more depressed were more likely to seek help from a psychologist. About half of breast cancer patients experience anxiety, and 22.5% of them have moderate or severe anxiety disorders. Many breast cancer patients experience various limitations due to physical disabilities, general health and lack of energy. Older age was associated with poorer physical health, less body pain and better mental health. Quality of life was not influenced by education, stage of cancer or time of diagnosis, but the type of treatment — hormone therapy — was associated with a better quality of life. There is a significant positive correlation between anxiety and depression: as anxiety increases, so does depression. Moderate links between general health status, social functioning, activity limitations due to emotional disorders, as well as and strong connections between energy, mental health status, general vitality and depression were identified. Statistically significant connections between moderate general health status, energy, social functioning, overall quality of life, and strong mental health status with anxiety were identified. Conclusion. Half of breast cancer patients experience depression and anxiety, which are linked to each other. Higher levels of depression and anxiety in breast cancer patients are associated with poorer quality of life. |
