Korean J Adult Nurs.  2022 Aug;34(4):369-379. 10.7475/kjan.2022.34.4.369.

The Effects of Lifestyle and Self-rated Health on Mental Health of Breast Cancer Survivors: Using Propensity Score Matching Approach

• Yoon HS
• Ryu E

• KMID: 2532777
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7475/kjan.2022.34.4.369

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to compare the lifestyle, self-rated health, and mental health of breast cancer survivors with those of the healthy people through a propensity-matched comparison, and identify factors affecting the mental health of breast cancer survivors.
Methods
This study was a secondary analysis that used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), from 2015 to 2020. It included 47,118 participants, of which 134 breast cancer survivors and 268 healthy people were separated and analysed by 1:2 Propensity Score Matching (PSM), and complex sample logistic regression analysis was performed using SPSS and R programs.
Results
Statistically significant differences were found in smoking rate, walking exercise rate, cancer screening rate, daily energy intake, and self-rated health between breast cancer survivors and healthy groups. After PSM, there were significant differences in the ratio of perceived stress, suicide plan, suicide attempts, and mental health counseling experiences between the healthy group and breast cancer survivors. As compared to the healthy group, breast cancer survivors had a significantly higher risk of mental health issues by 2.19 times. Self-rated health, household income, and number of household members were significant influencing factors affecting the mental health of breast cancer survivors.
Conclusion
This study provides evidence of an increased mental health risk in breast cancer survivors compared with healthy women with no cancer. Mental health outcomes, such as stress, sleep disturbance, and suicidal ideation, have been reported post cancer treatment. Counselling and management strategies would be helpful for breast cancer survivors.

Keyword

Breast neoplasm; Cancer survivors; Mental health; Life style; Health status