Associations of practical, emotional, and physical problems with psychosocial distress among cancer patients.
Publication Title
J Psychosoc Oncol
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-25-2021
Keywords
washington; seattle; swedish neuro
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To better understand the relationship between cancer patient distress and psychosocial variables, including problem types, to improve ability to predict and address psychosocial need.
METHODS: A variation of National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Distress Thermometer (DT) was administered and collected at four sites from an Integrated Network Cancer Program (INCP). The presence of moderate/severe distress was examined relative to patient demographics, disease characteristics, and psychosocial problems.
RESULTS: Distress scores were positively correlated with all problem counts. For every count increase of practical, emotional, and physical problems, and for every cancer stage increase the odds of reporting a moderate/severe distress score was significantly higher. Relative to patients with one cancer treatment type, patients with three cancer treatment types were significantly less likely to report moderate/severe distress.
CONCLUSION: Problem count could be a useful indicator for clinical intervention. Stage and number of treatment types may also be considered clinically relevant distress predictors.
Area of Special Interest
Cancer
Area of Special Interest
Neurosciences (Brain & Spine)
Specialty/Research Institute
Oncology
Specialty/Research Institute
Neurosciences
