Background Although breast cancer survivors are predisposed to psychological problems, their primary caregivers are also at an increased risk of experiencing such issues. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression and anxiety among breast cancer survivors and their primary caregivers and to identify associated factors.
Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled 118 Chinese breast cancer survivors and 88 matched primary caregivers. Data were collected using the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Logistic regression was employed to analyze factors associated with anxiety and depression, while Spearman correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between the emotional states of survivors and their primary caregivers.
Impact on practice Among survivors, the prevalence of anxiety and depression was 32.20% and 35.59%, respectively. Among caregivers, the prevalence was 14.77% for anxiety and 22.73% for depression. Spearman correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations: between survivors' anxiety and caregivers' anxiety (P < 0.01), survivors' depression and caregivers' depression ( P < 0.01), survivors' anxiety ( P < 0.01) and depression (P < 0.01) with their sleep scores, and caregivers' anxiety ( < 0.01) and depression (P < 0.01) . In survivors, sleep score was positively associated with anxiety ( P < 0.001) and depression (P < 0.001), and there was a significant positive correlation between being divorced/separated/widowed and depression (P = 0.043). Among caregivers, sleep status was significantly associated with anxiety (P = 0.006) and depression (P = 0.008).
Discussion We observed that breast cancer survivors and their primary caregivers exhibit a high prevalence of depression and anxiety. Evidence suggests a significant correlation between their negative emotional states, accompanied by identifiable influencing factors. Attention to the mental health of these populations is warranted.