Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study aims to analyse the developmental trajectory of depression in patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for cervical cancer and its influencing factors. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of clinical data was performed on 160 patients with cervical cancer who received CCRT at our hospital between July 2023 and June 2025. Individuals with depression were assigned to the depressed group, whereas those without depression were assigned to the non-depressed group. Employing latent class growth modelling to identify depression trajectories in cervical cancer patients undergoing CCRT. The factors influencing the latent classes of depression trajectories in patients were analysed through logistic regression. RESULTS: The depressed group had higher rates of household monthly income per capita of less than 5000 RMB (1 USD = 7.1 RMB), stage III/IV tumour stage and avoidance/submission coping methods than the non depressed group (p = 0.001, 0.030, < 0.001) and had lower Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) scores (p = 0.001). Three distinct depression trajectories were identified: a low-level stable group (n = 31), a moderate-level increasing group (n = 54) and a high-level decreasing group (n = 29). The logistic regression analysis results indicated that patients with a household income per capita below 5000 RMB, stage III/IV tumour stage, avoidance/submission coping style and lower MSPSS scores exhibited a higher likelihood of entering the medium-level rising group and the high-level declining group compared to the other group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Depression in patients with cervical cancer exhibits three distinct developmental trajectories. Household income per capita, tumour stage, coping style and MSPSS score may influence these trajectories. Thus, prompt intervention targeting these potential influencing factors is essential for managing the progression of depression.