Depressive symptom trajectories in breast cancer patients and their partners: a nationwide prospective cohort study

Abstract

Background: This study identified distinct trajectories of depressive symptoms for breast cancer patients and their partners, examined how relationship quality and medical and socio-demographic factors were associated with these trajectories, and explored whether patient and partner within couples had similar trajectories. Methods: A total of 546 women with breast cancer and 508 male partners in Denmark completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale ≤ 4 months after surgery and 5 and 12 months later. Socio-demographic and medical characteristics were retrieved from nationwide registers. A trajectory finite mixture model was used to identify trajectories. Results: Three distinct trajectories of depressive symptoms were identified for both patients and partners. Some 13% of patients and 11% of partners had a stable trajectory of high depressive symptoms. Poorer relationship quality and previous use of antidepressants were the most consistent risk factors for trajectories with elevated depressive symptoms. Within couples trajectories were weakly correlated. Discussion: The results draw attention to variability in trajectories of depressive symptoms. The observed risk factors can help clinicians identify and target patients and partners who might need support.