Validation and limitations of the distress thermometer in identifying depression among metastatic breast cancer patients in Nigeria: Methodological challenges in depression-specific screening validation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Psychological distress is highly prevalent among patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), yet validated screening tools remain scarce in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The Distress Thermometer (DT), a globally endorsed screening instrument, lacks robust validation in advanced-stage cancer populations within LMIC contexts, where cultural, linguistic, and healthcare system factors may significantly influence its diagnostic performance.

Objective

To assess the diagnostic validity of the Distress Thermometer in identifying clinically significant depressive symptoms among Nigerian women with metastatic breast cancer, using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) as the reference standard.

Design

Cross-sectional diagnostic validation study emplo

SUBMITTER: Chavda T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12818667 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature