ABSTRACT
Background: On March 9th, the lockdown was enforced in Italy to contain the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The request to stay at home particularly applied to cancer patients, who were considered at higher risk for infection and severe events. Patients had to experience substantial psychosocial implications of mass quarantine and they were also faced with special challenges to receive safe cancer care. This study aimed to investigate the perspectives of people living with cancer during mass quarantine. Method(s): The Italian Association of Cancer Nurses (AIIAO) conducted an online survey from March 29th to May 3rd, 2020, which corresponds to 'Phase One' of the COVID-19 Italian emergency plan. People living with cancer and self-isolated at home were invited to fill in the survey via social groups. Data about socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, opinion on the impact of SARS-CoV-2, access to cancer care, behavioural measures implemented, and the perception of being isolated (ISOLA scale) were collected. Result(s): Participants were 195 adults living with cancer (female=76%, mean age=50.3+/-11.2 years). They were more often affected by haematological malignancy (51.3%) and staying at home with partner and children (38.5%) for more than 4 weeks (70.8%). Only 54% of them believed to be at higher risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection and 51% for severe complications. Measures to prevent the infection included hand washing (95.2%), social distancing (81.5%), face mask (96.3%), gloves (55.6%), and remedies to boost their immune system (29%). Overall, 62% reported diminished/absent access to cancer care and 29% were afraid that their cancer was not under control. The mean scores of the ISOLA scale (range 1-5) were 2.64 (SD=0.81) for isolation-related suffering, 3.31 (SD=1.13) for problems in the relationship with others, and 3.14 (SD=1.06) for difficulties in the relationship with oneself. Greater social isolation in quarantine was reported by the older patients, with lower education, and living without children. Conclusion(s): In the context of grave threats to their physical and mental health, people living with cancer need help from nurses to prioritise their health, cope with isolation-related suffering, and identify effective preventive behaviours. Legal entity responsible for the study: The Italian Association of Cancer Nurses (AIIAO). Funding(s): Has not received any funding. Disclosure: All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.Copyright © 2020
ABSTRACT
Background: During phase 1 of the COVID-19 emergency, all Italian citizens had to quarantine at home to reduce the transmission of the virus. People living with cancer were considered at higher risk for infection and severe events. Moreover, they had to face several challenges in accessing healthcare services, especially those travelling to receive cancer care. Therefore, it is important to get a complete picture of the cancer experience during the lockdown from the patient perspective. Material and Methods: An online survey was conducted from March 29th to May 3rd, 2020. Italian cancer patients were invited to participate while they were staying at home because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data about their socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, the perception of self-isolation (ISOLA scale), the measures they adopted to reduce their infectious risk, and beliefs about the impact of the pandemic on their disease were collected. The study was approved by the scientific committee of the Italian Association of Cancer Nurses (AIIAO). Results: Overall, 195 adult people living with cancer completed the survey. They were mainly women (76%), with a mean age of 50.3 years (SD=11.2), diagnosed with haematological malignancy (51.3%), and at home in self-isolation for more than 6 weeks (39.5%). Most of them never/rarely (80.4%) left their house, except for their health (49.7%) and going to the supermarket (50.3%). About 54% believed to be at higher risk for COVID-19 infection and 51% for complications. To prevent COVID-19 infection, 29% of them used some remedies to boost their immune system. Those who experienced most social problems in quarantine were the older ones, with lower education, and living without children. About 29% of participants reported that their cancer was not under control, as 24% reported that their frequency of going to the hospital had diminished and 38% were not going to the hospital at all during the pandemic. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown had a significant impact on cancer patients' lives. Living with cancer in quarantine was sometimes perceived as a scaring and isolating condition of neglect, which added uncertainty to the cancer experience.