EP15.01 ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS AND DEPRESSION IN PATIENTS WITH BRAIN TUMORS - FIRST RESULTS OF THE DIVERSO TRIAL

Abstract BACKGROUND Depression has been shown to affect many patients diagnosed with malignant brain tumors, impacting their quality of life and overall survival. While a variety of factors can affect the development of depressive symptoms, to date it remains unclear which socioeconomic factors may play a role. The investigation of this research question is part of the DiVersO trial (Digitale Versorgung in der Onkologie), a prospective non-interventional study. The primary goal is to elucidate if patients prefer to complete surveys using electronic or paper questionnaires. In addition, the trial contains questionnaires, which will allow us to explore the association between demographic factors, socioeconomic status and depression. MATERIAL AND METHODS In the DiVersO trial patients with brain tumors including primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSL) receiving treatment at our institution fill in a range of questionnaires to assess their psychological and physiological burden. To analyze if there is a link between specific factors and depressive symptoms self-reported by the patients, the results of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 and the adapted Diversity Minimal Item Set (DiMIS)-DiVersO were used. Patient recruitment for this study is planned until Q4 2027, and the follow-up is expected to be completed in Q4 2029. The DiVersO study is registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00034347). RESULTS Since trial initiation in Dec 2024, 51 patients have been enrolled (n=11 PCNSLs, n=22 gliomas, n=18 patients with brain metastases). Of these, 41% were female (n=21), 59% male (n=30), ranging from 28 to 86 years of age (median age 65). 69% filled in the questionnaires on paper (n=35) vs. 31% on a tablet (n=16). PHQ-9 was completed by n=42 patients, 57% male (n=24) and 43% female (n=18). A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed on results of the PHQ-9, demographic factors, and socioeconomic factors derived from the DiMIS-DiVersO questionnaire. Preliminary analyses demonstrated a significant association between the general state of patients’ health and depression (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.018-0.67, p=0.02), showing that “very good” or “good” self-rated health is associated with 87% lower odds of depression, relative to poor self-rated health. The factors sex, age, previous mental problems and financial worries, however, did not seem to be significantly associated with self-reported depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION The preliminary analysis showed an association between a patient’s general state of health and their depressive symptoms. While these findings need to be validated in a larger cohort, patients who experience “moderate”, “moderately severe” and “severe” depression need to be particularly closely monitored. As the recruitment is still ongoing, further results will be presented at the conference.