Cheryl Ann Thaxton
George Washington University, USA
Title: A retrospective chart review: Diagnosis and treatment of depression in patients with breast cancer
Biography
Biography: Cheryl Ann Thaxton
Abstract
Background: One issue related to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is the risk of depression. Researchers need to explore better ways to identify depression in minority populations particularly in those with breast cancer.
Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine ethnic differences and commonalities in the method of diagnosis and treatment of depression female breast cancer patients.
Specific Aims: The study aims to examine differences and similarities in the method of diagnosis and treatment of depression in Caucasian, Latino, and African American breast cancer patients.
Questions/Hypothesis: 1. Does the method of diagnosis and treatment of depression differ based on ethnicity in an outpatient palliative care clinic?
Hypothesis: Method of diagnosis and treatment will differ in the Latino and African American patients as compared to Caucasian patients; 2. Are minority groups more likely to elect non-pharmacological treatment vs. pharmacological treatment for depression than Caucasians?
Hypothesis: Minority groups are more likely to elect non-pharmacological treatment vs. pharmacological for depression than Caucasians.
Methods: This retrospective chart review will utilize the Chi-Square Analysis to compare the findings from the patient data. The study will take place at a large academic medical center in an urban setting; the patient population will include female patients, ages 30 years to 65 years, who have confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer (newly diagnosed or relapsed) and have been seen in the outpatient palliative care clinic setting from September 2014 through July 2017.
Demographics/variables: Age (mean/range); Education (mean/range); Marital Status (Single/Married/Divorced/Unknown); Employment status: full-time, part time, unemployed; Health insurance (Medicare/Medicaid/Private/None); Disease stage (I/II/III/IV/Unknown); Breast cancer procedure (lumpectomy/mastectomy/chemotherapy/Radiation); Positive for depression (yes/no); Negative for depression (yes/no); Treatment for depression (pharmacologic/non-pharmacologic/ none); Associated symptoms (Fatigue/anxiety/pain); Follow up (Improvement in depression screening scores).