BMC Psychology (Jul 2025)

Psychological distress in Saudi prostate cancer patients: exploring prevalence and sociodemographic influences

  • Fahad Alzahrani,
  • Osama A. Madkhali,
  • Abdulrahman M. Hijri,
  • Mazen A. Alaqil,
  • Amani Khardali,
  • Sultan Othman Alolayan,
  • Sutan S. Al Thaqfan,
  • Abdulrahman Mohammed Al Harbi,
  • Bandr Kalaf Aljabri,
  • Mohannad A. Almikhlafi,
  • Sohailah Alzahrani

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-03074-4
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 1
pp. 1 – 11

Abstract

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Abstract 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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