Predictors of quality of life in melanoma patients 4 years after diagnosis: Results of a nationwide cohort study in Germany

In this multicenter, cross-sectional study, 561 melanoma patients completed a questionnaire battery 4 years after primary diagnosis. The proportion of melanoma patients with clinically relevant anxiety (p < .001) or depression (p = .001) symptoms was significantly greater compared to the general population. Lower QoL was predicted by higher depression (ss = -.329, p < .001) and anxiety (ss = -.257, p < .001), older age (ss = -.147, p = .002), and body mass index (ss = -.093, p = .036). Clinical parameters including tumor stage and comorbidity index did not enter the model. Overall, the model explained 32.2% of total variance (F = 43.66, p < .001, corrected R-2 = .322). The proportion of patients with clinically relevant anxiety symptoms requires attention. Anxiety and depression symptoms contribute to impaired QoL, calling for appropriate screening.