Couple’s Educational Program Reduces Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Mastectomy: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Breast cancer is the most common neoplasm in women, significantly leading to depression, anxiety, and stress. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of a couple's educational program on anxiety, depression, and stress in breast cancer patients with mastectomy.

Methods: This randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted in Isfahan, Iran, in 2017. The study participants included 45 breast cancer patients which were divided into an intervention (n = 21) and a control group (n = 24). The intervention group received
3 educational sessions on dealing with post-mastectomy complications, coping with difficult emotions, and maintaining sexual relationships. Their depression, anxiety, and stress scores were evaluated using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale ‎(DASS) on the screening session, and then, 12 weeks after the intervention. In the control group, patients were given general education about breast cancer. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software. Repeated measures ANCOVA and Independent t-test were used to compare the quantitative variables between the two groups.

Results: In the intervention group, depression, anxiety, and stress scores significantly decreased after the education (P < 0.01). In the control group, there was no significant difference in the depression, anxiety, and stress scores between the screening session and 12 weeks after the intervention (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Specific education on maintaining sexual relationships and coping psychologically following a mastectomy can help decrease depression, anxiety, and stress in breast cancer patients and their partners.