ABSTRACT
Background: The health emergency caused by the SarS-Cov-2 pandemic has been strongly impacting on oncological patients’ (pts). The purpose of this study was to explore the emotional impact and perception of cancer pts who received the vaccine against COVID-19 at the University Hospital and Trust of Verona (Italy). Methods: After the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine an anonymously questionnaire was proposed to cancer pts (March-May 2021). The survey investigated anxiety and depression levels using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), psychological distress with the Distress Thermometer (DT). Additionally, four specific items regarding the awareness about: i) infection risks, ii) interference with chemotherapy treatment, and iii) adverse effects, were developed. Descriptive analyses were performed. Results: A total of 736 patients (mean age 63 yrs) completed the questionnaire. Breast (23%) and gastrointestinal (40%) were the most represented cancer sites. The majority of pts (65%) reported mild levels of distress (DT ≤4), while moderate (DT 5-7) and severe (DT ≥8) levels were identified in 26% and 9% of participants, respectively. A total of 11% and 8% of pts experienced clinically significant symptoms of anxiety and depression (HADS ≥11), whereas 15% were borderline (HADS score 8-10). Two thirds of pts (67%) thought that the vaccination may reduce the infection risks and 56% felt safer. Overall, 59% of pts did not believe that vaccine-related side effects may interfere with the oncological treatment and 49% considered the vaccination safe. Conclusions: Most cancer pts undergoing COVID-19 vaccination presented mild levels of anxiety, depression and distress. Oncological pts undergoing vaccination felt safe and judged the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination to overweight the potential side effects. Legal entity responsible for the study: The authors. Funding: Has not received any funding. Disclosure: All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.