Prevalence and Associated Factors for Depression Among Patients With Sarcoma.

Abstract

Purpose: Prevalence and risk factors for depression among patients with sarcoma and survivors of sarcoma are not well characterized.

Methods: A sarcoma survivorship cohort was constructed from patients diagnosed between April 2022 and September 2023. Depression symptoms were assessed via the eight-item Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-57 depression scale at enrollment. Standardized T-score levels (<50, 50-59, and ≥60) were calculated and evaluated in association with demographics, lifestyle characteristics, clinical data, and modifiable factors using multinomial logistic regression models.

Results: Among 612 participants, the mean T-score was 48.3 (standard deviation, 10.0); 58.8% had a T-score <50, 27.9% scored between 50 and 59, and 13.2% scored ≥60. Participants age 18-39 years and age 40-59 years were more likely to have a T-score ≥60, with respective odds ratios (ORs) of 3.65 (95% CIs, 1.70 to 7.83) and 2.80 (1.52 to 5.17) compared with participants older than 60 years. Household incomes of $70,000-$120,000 in US dollars (USD) (OR, 0.46 [95% CI, 0.23 to 0.92]) and >$120,000 USD (OR, 0.15 [95% CI, 0.06 to 0.37]) were inversely associated with T-score ≥60 compared with household incomes <$45,000 USD. Marijuana use within the past 30 days was positively (OR, 3.48 [95% CI, 1.46 to 8.27]) associated, while regular exercise (OR, 0.43 [95% CI, 0.24 to 0.75]) and emotional support (OR, 0.37 [95% CI, 0.28 to 0.48]) were inversely associated with having T-score ≥60.

Conclusion: A higher prevalence of depression symptoms was notable in younger participants, marijuana users, and households with lower incomes. Regular exercise and increased emotional support were inversely associated with depression symptoms. Our study provides information for developing personalized supportive care strategies to ameliorate depression symptoms among patients with sarcoma.