COVID-19 experiences predicting high anxiety and depression among a sample of BRCA1/BRCA2-positive women in the US

During the COVID-19 pandemic, breast and ovarian cancer survivors experienced more anxiety and depression than before the pandemic. Studies have not investigated the similarities of this trend among BRCA1/2-positive women who are considered high risk for these cancers. The current study examines the impact of COVID-19 experiences on anxiety and depression in a sample of BRCA1/2-positive women in the U.S. 211 BRCA1/2-positive women from medically underserved backgrounds completed an online survey. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multivariable logistic regression for associations between COVID-19 experiences and self-reported anxiety and depression stratified by demographic factors. Overall, women who reported COVID-19 stigma or discrimination (aOR, 5.14, 95% CI [1.55, 17.0]) experienced significantly more depressive symptoms than women who did not report this experience. Racial/ethnic minority women caring for someone at home during COVID-19 were 3.70 times more likely (95% CI [1.01, 13.5]) to report high anxiety while non-Hispanic white women were less likely (aOR, 0.34, 95% CI [0.09, 1.30], p interaction = 0.011). To date, this is the first study to analyze anxiety and depression considering several COVID-19 predictors among BRCA1/2-positive women. Our findings can be used to inform future research and advise COVID-19-related mental health resources specific to these women.