Assessment of psychological distress among Asian adolescents and young adults (AYA) cancer patients using the distress thermometer: a prospective, longitudinal study

Chan, Alexandre; Poon, Eileen; Goh, Wei Lin; Gan, Yanxiang; Tan, Chia Jie; Yeo, Kelvin; Chua, Annabelle N.; Chee, Magdalene; Law, Yi Chye; Somasundaram, Nagavalli; Kanesvaran, Ravindran; Ng, Quan Sing; Tham, Chee Kian; Toh, Chee-Keong; Lim, Soon Thye; Tao, Miriam; Tang, Tiffany; Quek, Richard; Farid, Mohamad

doi:10.1007/s00520-018-4189-y

Cited by 42 publications

(50 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…The accompanied PL items have been used to ascertain key concerns that may have perpetuated distress. Problems that most contributed to distress include emotional issues (particularly worry) and insurance/financial challenges which evidenced the need to provide emotional and financial counseling; the more commonly endorsed physical symptoms associated with distress are fatigue and sleep, indicating necessity for education and further rehabilitation [10][11][12].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Distress among cancer patients attending rehabilitation in the community

Kuo

2021

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Purpose The aim of this study is to identify sources of distress among cancer patients attending rehabilitation in the community. Methods Participants were 430 patients recruited from a cancer rehabilitation center in Singapore between 2017 and 2018, who had rated their distress using the distress thermometer (DT) and indicated associated problems on the problem list. Chi-square tests were used to detect differences in the reported symptoms among three age groups. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify symptom clusters. Partial correlational analysis was then performed to examine the relationship between distress, symptom clusters, and age controlling for gender and cancer type. Results About 30% of the participants reported distress ≥ 5 on the DT (mean 3.3 ± 2.5), and the mean number of problems endorsed was 8 ± 6. A higher total number of reported problems (r = .63) and younger age (r = − .21) were associated with increased distress. The younger age group also reported more problems surrounding emotions, finance, work/school, children-related issues, and physical symptoms such as sleep and nausea. Of the 12 factors identified, 9 psychosocial and physical symptom clusters correlated with distress (r ranging from .12 to .41). All results were statistically significant after adjustment (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion Younger survivors are more at risk of distress and report greater role functioning concerns related to childcare, partner relationship, and work participation. Age-tailored and multimodal interventions may be necessary to adequately address age-related differences and help coordinate management of multiple symptom clusters across physical and psychosocial concerns.

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confidence: 99%

Distress among cancer patients attending rehabilitation in the community

Kuo

2021

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“…We have previously conducted a longitudinal assessment of symptom burden and distress in a cohort of AYA cancer patients. 13 In this article, the self-reported cognitive function of patients with non-CNS malignancies will be reported. Furthermore, CRCI-associated characteristics will be identified.…”

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Self‐reported cognitive outcomes among adolescent and young adult patients with noncentral nervous system cancers

et al. 2020

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Objective: Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients with noncentral nervous system (CNS) cancers has not been well studied. In this study, we aimed to describe CRCI-associated trends and characteristics among AYA cancer patients. Methods: In a longitudinal cohort of AYA cancer patients without CNS disease, CRCI was evaluated over 1 year using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function Instrument, a self-reported cognitive outcome measure. CRCI prevalence was quantified using the previously established minimal clinically important difference. CRCI-associated longitudinal trends and factors were evaluated with mixed-effects model analysis. Results: Ninety-one patients (mean age = 28.4 ± 6.7 years) were included. Approximately one-third (34.1%) experienced CRCI at least once during the study follow-up. Female gender (P = .02), Indian ethnicity (P < .01), current smokers (P < .01), anxiety/ depressive symptoms (P < .01) and fatigue (P < .01) were found to be associated with poorer cognitive function among AYAs. Conclusions: Although AYA cancer patients were relatively young and without CNS disease involvement, a significant proportion of them experienced clinically important decline in cognitive function. With improved understanding of this subject, effective strategies can be formulated to promote awareness of CRCI and mitigate its negative effects among AYA cancer patients.

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“…However, the quality of life of AYA patients compared to the age-matched general population was also significantly lower after 2 years. Furthermore, Chan et al ( 2018 ) published a longitudinal study from the Asian region that examined the distress of AYA patients ( N = 65) in the first 6 months after diagnosis. They showed that there was a decrease in distress from the time of diagnosis to 6 months later.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Psychosocial Long-Term Effects of Young Adult Cancer Survivors: Study Protocol of the Longitudinal AYA-LE Long-Term Effects Study

et al. 2021

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Background: About 3% of new cancer cases affect young adults aged between 15 and 39 years. The young age, the increasing incidence and the relatively good prognosis of this population lead to the growing importance to investigate the psychosocial long-term and late effects. The aims of the AYA-LE long-term effects study are: first, to assess the temporal course and related factors of life satisfaction and psychological distress of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors; and second, to examine a specific topic in each of the yearly surveys in a more differentiated way.Methods: This study represents a continuation of the longitudinal AYA-LE study. The existing sample of AYA cancer patients (t1: N = 577; t2: N = 514; aged between 18 and 39 years at diagnosis; all major tumor entities) was extended by four further survey points (t3: 2018, t4: 2019, t5: 2020, t6: 2021). In addition, a comparison sample of young adults without cancer was collected. We measured longitudinal data for outcomes such as quality of life, psychological distress, and fatigue with standardized questionnaires. Furthermore, each survey point included a different cross-sectional topic (e.g., health behavior, occupational situation, and compliance).Discussion: The AYA-LE long-term effects study will show the long-term consequences of cancer in young adulthood. We expect at least complete data of 320 participants to be available after the sixth survey, which will be completed in 2021. This will provide a comprehensive and differentiated understanding of the life situation of young adults with cancer in Germany. The findings of our study enable a continuous improvement of the psychosocial care and specific survivorship programs for young cancer patients.

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Assessment of psychological distress among Asian adolescents and young adults (AYA) cancer patients using the distress thermometer: a prospective, longitudinal study

Abstract: The DT is a useful screening tool for psychological distress in AYA cancer patients with clinically significant distress being identified in the early phases of the cancer journey.

Cited by 42 publications

References 33 publications

Distress among cancer patients attending rehabilitation in the community

Distress among cancer patients attending rehabilitation in the community

Self‐reported cognitive outcomes among adolescent and young adult patients with noncentral nervous system cancers

Psychosocial Long-Term Effects of Young Adult Cancer Survivors: Study Protocol of the Longitudinal AYA-LE Long-Term Effects Study

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