Impact of Socio-Demographic Factors, Financial Burden, and Social Support on Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in Puerto Rican Women with Breast Cancer

TL;DR

This study explores how factors like income and social support affect anxiety and depression in Puerto Rican women with breast cancer.

Contribution

The study identifies perceived income as a key predictor of both depression and anxiety in this population.

Findings

38.5% of participants had clinically significant depression symptoms, and 26.4% had anxiety symptoms.

Perceived income was the only significant predictor of both depression and anxiety.

Lower tangible and belonging support were linked to depression, while lower appraisal support was linked to anxiety.

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cancer diagnosis among women in Puerto Rico. Psychological distress is prevalent in this population, and social determinants may exacerbate this risk. This study examines whether sociodemographic characteristics, financial burden, and social support levels are associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression in Puerto Rican women with BC. A quantitative secondary analysis was conducted on a sample of 208 Hispanic women with BC, utilizing the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) questionnaire. These scores were compared with sociodemographic values and Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL-12) scores, establishing statistical significance through association, parametric, and non-parametric tests, and regression models. 38.5% and 26.4% of participants showed clinically significant symptoms of depression and anxiety, respectively. Age and perceived income showed significant associations with psychological outcomes. However, regression analysis revealed perceived income as the only significant predictor for both depression and anxiety. Tangible and belonging support were significantly lower in participants with symptoms of depression, while appraisal support was significantly lower in participants with symptoms of anxiety. Findings highlight the influence of perceived financial stress on mental health and the need for psychosocial interventions tailored to the patients’ economic context.