Prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder in Patients Diagnosed with Breast Cancer in Southwest Nigeria

Background: Globally, breast cancer remains the commonest cancer diagnosis among women which is usually accompanied by an array of psychological distress including depression. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of major depression among people living with breast cancer in Ogbomoso, Oyo State Nigeria.

Methods: The study was a comparative cross-sectional design conducted among 222 women with breast cancer attending the General Surgery Outpatient clinic and a comparison control group of age-matched women without a history of breast cancer. Data were obtained using a self-administered questionnaire while other clinical details were extracted from their hospital records following informed consent. The PHQ-9 and MINI were instruments used in the diagnosis of depression and Major depressive disorder respectively. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 21.

Results: Of the 222 respondents, 70 have been diagnosed with breast cancer with a mean age of 35.2 ± 8.6. It was observed that 34.3% had major depression while 38.6% had minor depression and 27.1% were not depressed using PHQ-9. Of the respondents positive for the PHQ screening, 8 fulfilled the criteria for major depression after screening with MINI.

Conclusion: The prevalence of major depressive disorder was higher among women with breast cancer (11.42%) compared to age-matched control without breast cancer (1.97%).