Evaluating the psychosocial effects of cancer on sleep quality and mental health in elderly populations.

BACKGROUND

The interplay between chronic illnesses, such as cancer, mental health issues, and sleep disturbances poses significant challenges for older adults. This study aims to explore the relationships among a cancer diagnosis, psychological factors (specifically depression), and sleep quality, utilizing data from the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS).

METHODS

A case-control study design was employed, analyzing data from 9,302 participants, including 855 individuals diagnosed with cancer and 8,447 healthy controls. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses were utilized to evaluate sleep disturbances, mental health (depression assessed via the CESD-9 scale), and other demographic variables. A Bayesian statistical approach was applied to determine the effect sizes associated with sleep disturbances.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated significant differences in sleep quality between the two groups. Notably, 54.79% of cancer patients reported difficulty falling asleep, compared to only 45.21% of controls (<0.001p<0.001). Moreover, the frequency of night awakenings was notably higher in the cancer group, with 73.64% reporting frequent awakenings compared to 26.36% in the control group. On the CESD-9 scale, cancer patients had an average score of 5.21 (±± 2.67) versus 4.32 (±± 2.64) for controls (<0.001p<0.001). Odds ratios from logistic regression analysis indicated that individuals with cancer had 3.80 times greater odds of having trouble falling asleep (OR: 3.80) and 1.37 times greater odds of frequent night awakenings (OR: 1.37).

CONCLUSION

These findings underscore the significant adverse effects of cancer on mental health and sleep quality among older adults. Enhanced psychological support and targeted interventions aimed at improving sleep quality are critical for managing the overall well-being of cancer patients. Future research should continue to investigate these intricate relationships and develop comprehensive care strategies to support the aging population facing chronic illnesses.