Predictors of mental health disorders in women with breast and gynecological cancer after radical surgery: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction In lower-middle-income countries, significant progress has been made in the therapeutic management of cancers. However, mental health disorders related to these diseases are usually underestimated by the health system. The aim of this study is to investigate the predictive factors for mental health disorders in Moroccan women with breast or gynecological cancer treated by radical surgery. Material and methods A cross-sectional study was carried out on Moroccan women treated by radical surgery for breast or gynecological cancer (N = 200). For each cancer type, patients were divided into two groups following age criteria. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Body image scale were used. Results Age had a significant effect on mental health disorders but not the type of cancer. Younger women showed significantly greater mental health disorders than older women (p ≤ 0.001). The predictive model for high anxiety and depression included the effect of the following variables: Being younger, having lower income, and advanced tumor stage. For higher body image dissatisfaction, the variables are as follows: being younger, having fewer children, lower-income, and advanced tumor stage. Conclusion The association of mental health disorders in patients with breast or gynecological cancer increases their distress. The establishment of management protocols for these disorders is strongly recommended in oncology departments.