PHQ-9 scores.

BackgroundBreast and cervical cancers are major health issues globally, with particularly high burdens in sub-Saharan Africa, including Gabon. Limited epidemiological data and insufficient attention to the psychological impacts of these cancers highlight critical research gaps. This study aimed to explore the psychological repercussions experienced by Gabonese women following the disclosure of a breast or cervical cancer diagnosis.MethodsA mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2023 at the Institut de Cancérologie d’Akanda. Women recently diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer were recruited using a consecutive sampling method. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews and one focus group to explore emotional responses, coping strategies, and perceptions of patient–provider interactions. In addition, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was administered to assess depressive symptoms.ResultsThirteen Gabonese women diagnosed with breast (n = 10) or cervical cancer (n = 3) participated in this mixed-methods study. Following the disclosure, all patients reported depressive symptoms ranging from minimal to moderately severe (PHQ-9). Qualitative analysis revealed intense emotional distress, including anxiety, sadness, sleep disturbances, and despair. The diagnosis affected participants’ identity, body image, and social relationships, reinforcing feelings of stigma, isolation, and loss. Beliefs about disease etiology and social representations shaped emotional responses. While some relied on spirituality, social support, or personal resilience to cope, others expressed unmet psychological needs. Participants emphasized the importance of clear, compassionate communication from healthcare professionals, highlighting the need for empathy, trust, and active listening during diagnosis disclosure.ConclusionThis pioneering study in Gabon identifies profound psychological effects associated with breast and cervical cancer diagnosis disclosure. The findings underscore the urgent need for improved psychosocial support, effective communication training for healthcare providers, and culturally tailored interventions to address mental health concerns in this population.

背景 乳腺癌与宫颈癌是全球范围内的重大公共卫生问题，在撒哈拉以南非洲地区负担尤为沉重，加蓬便是其中之一。目前相关流行病学数据匮乏，且对这两类癌症带来的心理影响关注不足，凸显了关键的研究空白。本研究旨在探讨加蓬女性在获知乳腺癌或宫颈癌诊断后所经历的心理反应。
方法 本研究于2023年3月至5月在阿卡达肿瘤研究所（Institut de Cancérologie d’Akanda）开展，为混合方法横断面研究。采用连续抽样法招募新近确诊乳腺癌或宫颈癌的女性受试者。通过半结构化个人访谈与1次焦点小组访谈收集数据，以探索受试者的情绪反应、应对策略以及对医患互动的认知。此外，本研究还使用患者健康问卷-9（Patient Health Questionnaire-9, PHQ-9）评估受试者的抑郁症状。
结果 共有13名加蓬女性参与本混合方法研究，其中确诊乳腺癌者10例、宫颈癌者3例。所有受试者在获知诊断后均报告存在不同程度的抑郁症状，PHQ-9量表评分显示其程度从轻度至中度重度不等。质性分析结果显示，受试者存在强烈的情绪困扰，包括焦虑、悲伤、睡眠障碍与绝望感。诊断结果对受试者的自我认同、身体意象及社会关系均造成了影响，加剧了耻辱感、孤立感与失落感。对疾病病因的认知与社会表征塑造了受试者的情绪反应。部分受试者通过灵性信仰、寻求社会支持或依靠个人韧性进行应对，而另有部分受试者则表示存在未被满足的心理需求。受试者强调医护人员需进行清晰且富有同理心的沟通，指出在诊断告知过程中需要共情、信任与积极倾听。
结论 本项在加蓬开展的开创性研究明确了乳腺癌与宫颈癌诊断告知所伴随的显著心理影响。研究结果凸显了迫切需求：需为该人群提供更完善的社会心理支持，对医护人员开展有效的沟通培训，并制定符合当地文化特色的干预措施，以解决该群体的心理健康问题。