Associated factors of distress in patients with advanced cancer: A retrospective study

Abstract

Objective The objective of this study was to assess the psychosocial distress and associated factors in advanced cancer patients consulting at the outpatient Palliative Care Unit at the National Cancer Institute in Mexico City. Design A retrospective study was conducted using electronic records (June 2015 to December 2016). Sample A total of 646 patients with advanced cancer during their first visit to the outpatient palliative care unit at the National Cancer Institute in Mexico were evaluated using the Distress Thermometer (DT) and ECOG performance status scores. Findings Overall, 62% were women, with a median age of 57 years, and married (54.8%). The most frequent diagnosis was gastrointestinal cancer (28.6%), and 38.9% had a functional performance status of ECOG 2. The median DT score was 4.0 (IQR = 2–6), with 56% reporting DT scores ≥4. The three most frequent problems ≥4 were sadness (82.6%), feeling weak (81.2%), worry (79.6%), and <4 were feeling weak (57.7%), fatigue (55.6%), and financial security (52.1%). The variables associated with distress according to the multiple logistic regression analysis were problems with housing (OR = 2.661, 95% CI = 1.538–4.602), sadness (OR = 2.533, 95% CI = 1.615–3.973), transportation (OR = 1.732, 95% CI = 1.157–2.591), eating (OR = 1.626, 95% CI = 1.093–2.417), nervousness (OR = 1.547, 95% CI = 1.014–2.360), and sleep (OR = 1.469, 95% CI = 1.980–2.203). Conclusion The principal factors were related to distress levels, housing problems, transportation issues, and emotional problems such as sadness, nervousness, lower functionality, and younger age. Therefore, psychosocial support is of considerable relevance in palliative care. These findings will help clinicians understand the distress of patients with advanced cancer in palliative care in Latin American countries.

Psychological distress and associated factors among Palestinian advanced cancer patients: A cross-sectional study

“…Fatigue, feeling swollen, pain, eating difficulties, worrying and feeling nervous, or loss of interest, were the main problem items significantly related to psychological distress in Gazan patients. A retrospective study in Mexico City has also reported that the psychological distress of patients with advanced cancer was significantly associated with transportation (Ascencio-Huertas et al, 2021). This was not found in this study, which may be related to the availability of support from non-governmental organizations covering transportation expenses for patients with cancer in Gaza, alongside the short distances travelling to hospitals in the GS.…”

Common patient‐reported sources of cancer‐related distress in adults with cancer: A systematic review

“…Fifteen studies observed relationships between individual reported sources of CRD and reporting actionable levels of CRD severity. Emotional concerns of sadness, 23 , 24 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 42 , 45 , 53 , 61 , 64 , 68 nervousness, 24 , 35 , 36 , 41 , 42 , 44 , 45 , 53 , 61 , 64 , 68 depression, 23 , 34 , 35 , 37 , 41 , 42 , 44 , 53 , 61 , 64 fears, 23 , 35 , 37 , 42 , 44 , 45 , 53 , 61 , 64 , 68 worry, 23 , 34 , 35 , 37 , 42 , 45 , 53 , 61 , 64 ...…”

Psychological distress and problem list among patients with advanced cancer: A comparative study of Indonesia and Taiwan

“…Frequently patients have to rent private transportation and travel for long distances to access HCPs. Thus, patients may experience physical discomfort, time consumption and high costs which contribute to psychological distress 40 .…”