Factors associated with depressive symptoms among cancer patients: a nationwide cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE: Research on factors contributing to depressive symptoms in cancer patients at a national level, encompassing a comprehensive set of variables was limited.

This study aimed to address this gap by identifying the factors associated with depressive symptoms among cancer patients through a nationwide cross-sectional analysis.

METHODS: Various factors, including demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral patterns, general and self-rated health status, chronic conditions, dietary habits, and cancer-related factors, were examined.

Data was from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associated factors.

The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the performance of the logistic model.

RESULTS: The findings showed that five sociodemographic factors, two behavioral styles, self-rated health status, comorbid arthritis, two dietary factors and two cancer-related factors were strongly associated with depressive symptoms.

Compared with those aged 20–39 years, cancer individuals aged 40–59 years (OR = 0.48, P < 0.05) and those 60 years or older (OR = 0.18, P < 0.05) had lower odds of depression.

Positive factors included being never married (OR = 1.98, P < 0.05), widowed, divorced or separated (OR = 1.75, P < 0.05), unemployment (OR = 1.87, P < 0.05), current smoking (OR = 1.84, P < 0.05), inadequate sleep (OR = 1.96, P < 0.05), comorbid arthritis (OR = 1.79, P < 0.05), and poor self-rated health status (OR = 3.53, P < 0.05).

No significant association was identified between the Healthy Eating Index 2015 and the Dietary Inflammatory Index with depression (P > 0.05).

Shorter cancer diagnosis duration was associated with reduced odds of depression (P < 0.05).

The logistic model had an area under the curve of 0.870 (95% CI: 0.846–0.894, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Cancer patients should receive enhanced family and social support while cultivating a healthy lifestyle and diet.

Incorporating plenty of fruits, greens, and beans is highly recommended, along with establishing a comprehensive health management framework.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-024-18898-9.