TITLE:
The Correlation between Decision-Making Conflict and Anxiety-Depression in Prostate Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
AUTHORS:
Jiayu Gong, Yangyang Liao
KEYWORDS:
Prostate Cancer, Decision-Making Conflict, Anxiety, Depression
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Nursing,
Vol.16 No.8,
August
17,
2026
ABSTRACT: Objective: To investigate the prevalence of decision-making conflict in prostate cancer patients and its relationship with anxiety and depressive symptoms, as well as to identify independent risk factors for high levels of decision-making conflict. Methods: A convenience sampling approach was employed to enroll 251 newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted using a general information questionnaire, Decision Conflict Scale (DCS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale (PHQ-9). Patients were divided into a low-risk group and a high-risk group based on a DCS score cutoff of 37.5 points. Univariate analysis and binary logistic regression were performed to examine influencing factors of high decision-making conflict. Results: Among the 251 patients, the incidence of high decision-making conflict was 31.1% (78/251). Univariate analysis revealed that age, highest educational attainment, marital status, employment status, alcohol consumption, clinical stage of cancer, as well as levels of anxiety and depression were significantly associated with high decision-making conflict (P 0.05). Conclusion: Prostate cancer patients exhibit a high prevalence of decision-making conflict. Compared to anxiety, depressive symptoms more specifically predict the risk of high decision-making conflict. Clinical practice should prioritize screening for depressive symptoms and provide targeted decision-making counseling and psychological support.