Association Between Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) Treatment and Depression Among Cancer Patients in a Cross-sectional Study
Abstract Aim: This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between Chinese Herbal Medicine treatment and depression in cancer patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among cancer outpatients at Longhua Hosiptal Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from June 2020 to April 2021; Ethical approval number:2020LCSY057). All patients signed informed consent and completed The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire. Hamilton depression scale was evaluated depression by psychiatrists. The software packages R and EmpowerStats were used for statistical analysis.Results: 374 was enrolled in Received Chinese Herbal Medicine treatment group and 435 was enrolled in Non-received Chinese Herbal Medicine treatment group. The assessment results of Hamilton depression scale and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire in Received Chinese Herbal Medicine treatment group were better than Non-received Chinese Herbal Medicine treatment group. After adjusting potential confounders (gender, medical insurance, cancer stage, et al), Chinese Herbal Medicine treatment indicated negative correlation with depression (OR=0.7, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.5 to 0.9). The interactions in each subgroup were no significantly effect on the relationship between Chinese Herbal Medicine treatment and depression.Conclusion: Chinese Herbal Medicine treatment was an independent protective factor for depression in cancer patients, and lead to better quality of life for cancer patients.