Your browser doesn't support javascript.
Prevalence and correlates of psychological distress, unmet supportive care needs, and fear of cancer recurrence among haematological cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Zomerdijk, Nienke; Jongenelis, Michelle; Short, Camille E; Smith, Andrew; Turner, Jane; Huntley, Kathryn.
  • Zomerdijk N; Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia. nienke.zomerdijk@unimelb.edu.au.
  • Jongenelis M; Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. nienke.zomerdijk@unimelb.edu.au.
  • Short CE; Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.
  • Smith A; Melbourne Centre for Behaviour Change, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
  • Turner J; Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.
  • Huntley K; Melbourne Centre for Behaviour Change, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
Support Care Cancer ; 29(12): 7755-7764, 2021 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1281279
ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disruptive effect on people with haematological cancers, who represent a high-risk population due to the nature of their disease and immunosuppressive treatments. We aimed to identify the psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on haematology patients and identify correlated factors to inform the development of appropriate supportive interventions.

METHODS:

Three hundred and ninety-four respondents volunteered their participation in response to a study advertisement distributed online through established haematology groups. Participants completed a self-report online survey exploring wellbeing, psychological distress, unmet supportive care needs, and fear of cancer recurrence.

RESULTS:

At least 1 in 3 respondents (35%) reported clinical levels of distress and nearly 1 in 3 (32%) identified at least one unmet need. Among respondents in remission (n = 134), clinical fear of cancer recurrence was reported by nearly all (95%). Unmet needs, pre-existing health conditions, younger age, financial concerns, and perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 were the dominant factors contributing to psychological distress during the pandemic. Psychological distress, lost income, perceived inadequate support from care team, perceived risk of contracting COVID-19, and being a woman were significantly associated with unmet needs. Psychological distress and concern about the impact of COVID-19 on cancer management were significantly associated with fear of cancer recurrence among respondents in remission.

CONCLUSION:

Results highlight the high psychological burden and unmet needs experienced by people with haematological cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic and indicate a need for innovative solutions to rapidly identify distress and unmet needs during, and beyond, pandemic times.
Subject(s)
Keywords

Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Hematologic Neoplasms / Psychological Distress / COVID-19 / Neoplasms Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Female / Humans Language: English Journal: Support Care Cancer Journal subject: Neoplasms / Health Services Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S00520-021-06369-5

Similar

MEDLINE

...
LILACS

LIS


Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Hematologic Neoplasms / Psychological Distress / COVID-19 / Neoplasms Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Female / Humans Language: English Journal: Support Care Cancer Journal subject: Neoplasms / Health Services Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S00520-021-06369-5