Determination of the factors affecting the depression level of elderly women diagnosed with breast cancer at kirkuk oncology center

Aim: The objective of the current study is the determınation of the factors affecting the depression level of elderly women diagnosed with breast cancer at the Kirkuk Oncology Center Method: A descriptive, non-probability (purposive sample) study including 250 elderly women with breast cancer was conducted at Kirkuk Oncology Center, Iraq. Their treatment continued for the period February 10, 2022, and August 10, 2022. The data were collected by face to face interview using questionaires. These questionnaires consisted of questions on the sociodemographic data of the elderly women and factors which could affect their depression level. In addition, the Beck Depression Inventory was used to determine depression level. Frequency analysis, mean comparison tests, correlation analysis and ordinal logistic regression analysis were applied. Results: Depression level in the participants was significantly higher in those who lived in the city, had graduated from high school, worked, had given birth multiple times, walked regularly, had a family history of breast cancer, had a previous psychiatric diagnosis and used psychiatric drugs. There was no depression in 52.8% of the participants, but mild depression in 17.60%, moderate depression in 23.2%, severe depression in 5.6% and extreme severe depression in 0.8%. In the regression analysis, the variables of living in the city, working and walking increased the level of depression. In addition, there was a low negative correlation between the total depression scale score and the age at which breast cancer was first diagnosed. Conclusion: According to the results of the study, policies can be made to raise the level of education of women. Improving the social security system can prevent elderly and women with cancer from having to work. Early diagnosis with a family history with routine nursing screenings is useful in disease management. These policies will lower depression in older women with breast cancer.