Key result
Among Saudi prostate cancer patients, low income (< 5000 SAR) was significantly associated with increased odds of anxiety (OR 2.71) in a population with high overall prevalence of psychological distress.
Why the study?
What is the prevalence of psychological distress and its sociodemographic predictors in Saudi prostate cancer patients?
Cross-Sectional (n=433)
Yes
What is the prevalence of psychological distress and its sociodemographic predictors in Saudi prostate cancer patients?
Odds Ratio: 2.71 (95% CI 1.3–5.65)
p-value: p=<0.01
Saudi prostate cancer patients experience substantial psychological distress, particularly among socioeconomically vulnerable groups, highlighting the need for routine psychological screening.
High distress prevalence supports routine screening in Saudi prostate cancer care; leaves open causal links and intervention efficacy.
BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer patients frequently experience significant psychological distress, which can negatively impact treatment adherence and quality of life. However, research on psychological outcomes in Saudi Arabian prostate cancer patients remains limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and loneliness in this population and examine associated sociodemographic factors. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2023 and May 2024 among 433 Saudi men diagnosed with prostate cancer across various regions of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using validated screening tools: the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) for depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 (GAD-2) for anxiety, and the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLA-3) for loneliness. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify sociodemographic predictors of psychological distress. RESULTS: The study revealed high prevalence rates of depression (35.1%), anxiety (30.5%), and loneliness (31.9%). Depression demonstrated strong positive correlations with anxiety (r = 0.72, p < 0.01) and loneliness (r = 0.68, p < 0.01). Low income (< 5000 SAR) showed the strongest association with anxiety (OR = 2.71, 95% CI = 1.30-5.65, p < 0.01), followed by depression (OR = 2.66, 95% CI = 1.32, 5.34, p < 0.01), and loneliness (OR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.03, 4.27, p < 0.01). Being privately employed was significantly associated with higher anxiety (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.26-0.99, p < 0.04) and loneliness (OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.27-1.00, p < 0.03). CONCLUSION: Saudi prostate cancer patients experience substantial psychological distress, particularly among socioeconomically vulnerable groups. These findings underscore the urgent need for routine psychological screening, culturally sensitive mental health interventions, and targeted policy reforms. Integrating psychosocial care into oncology services can enhance patient outcomes and inform national cancer care strategies in Saudi Arabia.
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Alzahrani et al. (2025) conducted a cross-sectional in Prostate cancer (n=433). Low income (< 5000 SAR) vs. Higher income groups was evaluated on Anxiety (assessed via GAD-2 scale) (OR 2.71, 95% CI 1.30-5.65, p=<0.01). Among Saudi prostate cancer patients, low income (< 5000 SAR) was significantly associated with increased odds of anxiety (OR 2.71) in a population with high overall prevalence of psychological distress.
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