| dc.description.abstract | Research shows that 25%–50% of breast cancer patients worldwide experience distress, with
Africa reporting 71% and Kenya 34-50% distress cases. This study investigated clinical and socio-
demographic predictors of breast cancer patients' psychosocial distress. Poor quality of life
outcomes, reduced adherence to treatment, and inferior clinical and psychosocial functioning are
all associated with psychosocial distress. This study adopted an exploratory, sequential cross-
sectional design. The study targeted 763, 18–70-year-old female breast cancer patients. Breast
cancer patients, nurses, lay navigator, and oncologists were enlisted through opportunity sampling
technique for collection of both the qualitative and the quantitative data. Interviews, focus group
discussions, and questionnaires were used to collect data. Using a total score of >11, with NCCN
cut-off mark of >4 for clinically significant distress; and >7 for severe distress, psychosocial
distress was screened using distress thermometer and problem checklist. Notably, income and
stage of diagnosis emerged as significant predictors of psychosocial distress, clinical anxiety, and
depression. Income predicted severe distress (OR = 5.5, p = 0.001), anxiety (OR = 2.8, p = 0.004),
depression (OR = 4.7, p = 0.001), and early diagnosis had an inverse relationship with distress (OR
= 0.3, p = 0.006) and depression (OR = 0.5, p = 0.049). Still, testimonials showed that young
women had more emotional distress, while elderly women had more physiological distress.
Marriage provided two insurance policies. The study emphasises understanding of emotional and
psychological distress factors, identifying patients who need extra help, and using psychotherapy
and social interventions to alleviate suffering, enhance resilience, and improve treatment outcomes | en_US |
