Estimating the prevalence of mental disorders in patients with newly diagnosed cancer in relation to socioeconomic status: a multicenter prospective observational study

• Published in: ESMO open Vol. 9; no. 8; p. 103655
• Main Authors: Goerling, U., Ernst, J., Esser, P., Haering, C., Hermann, M., Hornemann, B., Hövel, P., Keilholz, U., Kissane, D., von dem Knesebeck, O., Lordick, F., Springer, F., Zingler, H., Zimmermann, T., Engel, C., Mehnert-Theuerkauf, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2024; Elsevier
• Subjects: Original Research; quality of life; supportive care; symptom management; quality of life; symptom management; supportive care
• ISSN: 2059-7029; 2059-7029
• DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2024.103655

The purpose of this study was to provide the 4-week prevalence estimates of mental disorders in newly diagnosed cancer patients in relation to socioeconomic status (SES). We enrolled newly diagnosed patients with a confirmed solid tumor within 2 months of diagnosis. We calculated patients’ SES on the basis of their educational level, professional qualification, income and occupational status. We used the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition—Clinical Version (SCID-5-CV) to assess the 4-week prevalence of mental disorders in addition to a comorbidity questionnaire to assess the level of physical impairment. We identified a total of 1702 patients with mixed cancers after reviewing their medical records and contacting them in person or by post due to coronavirus pandemic patient safety restrictions. 1030 patients (53.2% men, mean age 60.2 years) had completed SCID-5-CV. When weighted according to the SES distribution to account for over- and under-sampling of SES groups, 20.9% [95% confidence interval (CI) 18.1% to 23.6%] of patients were diagnosed with any mental disorder. The most prevalent were depressive disorders (9.9%, 95% CI 7.9% to 11.9%), trauma and stress-related disorders (6.3%, 95% CI 4.7% to 7.9%) and anxiety disorders (4.2%, 95% CI 2.9% to 5.6%). We found no difference in any mental disorder between patients with high, medium or low SES. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed higher proportion of patients with any mental disorder in patients younger than 60 years [odds ratio (OR) 0.42; P < 0.001], in patients without a partner (OR 1.84; P < 0.001), in women with tumor in female genital organs (OR 2.45; P < 0.002) and in those with a higher level of impairment (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.03-1.07; P < 0.001). SES had no significant influence on mental comorbidity in early cancer survivorship. •A 4-week SES-weighted prevalence of 20.9% for any mental disorder was found in newly diagnosed cancer patients.•There was no significant difference in any mental disorder between patients with high, medium or low SES.•Younger age, lack of a partner, tumor in female genital organs and higher level of impairment may predict mental disorder.•Two vulnerable groups with regard to higher mental comorbidity: younger patients with low SES and men with low SES.