Effects of depression on the functional well-being of patients with breast cancer

Abstract

Introduction. The psychological status of patients with breast cancer is often compromised as a result of chronic exposure to negative emotions and psychological distress after the diagnosis of a malignant disease and conditions such as depression and anxiety may have a direct impact on the functional wellbeing of breast cancer patients. The aim of this study was to examine whether depression affects the functional well-being of breast cancer patients. Material and Methods. This crosssectional study was conducted in 2021 and it included 71 breast cancer patients treated at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Oncology Institute of Vojvodina at the time of examination. The depression subscale of the Serbian version of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21, assessing the degree of depression was used to assess depressive symptoms in the participants. The functional well-being was assessed using the Functional Well-Being subscale of the questionnaire for the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Breast. Results. A statistically significant correlation was found between depression and functional well-being (r = - 0.438, p < 0.001) of the examined patients. The results of the regression analysis showed that the F model was significant (F (1.69) = 16.366; p < 0.001) and showed 19.2% of the variance. Depression has a significant impact on the functional well-being of breast cancer patients (? = - 438, t = - 4.045, p < 0.001). Conclusion. Through a multidisciplinary approach, it is important to simultaneously functionally train breast cancer patients, but also to implement timely psychological support and rehabilitation.