Background 

Although women with ovarian cancer experience depression and poor sleep quality, little is known about how various factors, particularly self-efficacy, might be associated with these conditions.

Objectives 

The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of and changes in depression and sleep quality and the factors associated with these conditions in a cohort of women with ovarian cancer before, during, and after chemotherapy.

Methods 

A prospective repeated-measures design was adopted in this study. Participants were women with ovarian cancer who were expected to receive 4 to 6 cycles of chemotherapy and were recruited at a medical center in Taiwan. The participants were asked to complete a questionnaire that included the Symptom Distress Scale, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, General Self-efficacy Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The data were collected before, during, and after the course of chemotherapy.

Results 

Overall, 24.6% to 36.9% of women were at risk for depression; 75.4% to 80.0% of women had poor sleep quality. There were no significant changes in depressive symptoms and sleep quality throughout the course of chemotherapy. More severe depressive symptoms were associated with higher levels of symptom distress and lower self-efficacy. Poorer sleep quality was associated with higher levels of symptom distress.

Conclusions 

Among participants, more depressive symptoms and poorer sleep quality were associated with higher levels of symptom distress or lower self-efficacy.

Implications for Practice 

Healthcare providers should continuously assess depression and sleep quality in women with ovarian cancer. These symptoms may be improved by strengthening self-efficacy and relieving symptom distress.