Predictors of long-term distress in female partners of men diagnosed with prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE: Female partners of men with prostate cancer (PCa) experience heightened psychological distress, however, long term distress for this group is not well described. We examined partner's psychological and cancer-specific distress over 2 years and predictors of change. METHODS: A cohort of 427 female partners (63% response, mean age 62.6 years) of PCa survivors completed baseline (2-4 years post-PCa treatment) assessments of anxiety, depression, and cancer-specific distress; and were followed up at 6, 12, 18, and 24-months. Caregiver burden, threat and challenge appraisal, self-efficacy and dyadic adjustment were assessed as potential predictors of distress. RESULTS: Over time 23-25% of women reported anxiety; 8-11% depression; 5-6% high cancer-specific distress. Higher caregiver burden and more threat appraisals were associated with increased distress, anxiety, depression, and cancer-specific distress over time. Higher dyadic adjustment over time and more challenge appraisals at 24-months were associated with less distress, anxiety, and depression. Increased partner self-efficacy was associated with lower distress and depression at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial subgroup of partners experience ongoing anxiety, with depression less prevalent but also persistent. Caregiver burden, partner self-efficacy, threat and challenge appraisals present as potential supportive care targets.