Demands and Factors Associated to Psychosocial Support of Cancer Patients at Vietnam National Cancer Hospital

Abstract

Cancer patients in Vietnam are increasing exponentially in numbers, with great demands for psychosocial support. This study explored the demands for the psychosocial support of cancer patients at Vietnam National Cancer Hospital and several associated factors. This is a cross-sectional survey, qualitative and quantitative study, and conducted from April to September 2017. This study utilized the structured questionnaire of 418 cancer patients, 8 in-depth interviews and 3 focus group discussions. Results of the study showed that cancer patients have different demands for 6 types of psychosocial support services, specifically: visiting about health and family difficulties (86.1%), providing information on supporting networks for cancer patients (75.7%), psychological counseling and consultation (68.4%), psychotherapy (49.9%), Consultation on self-care for appearance (39.1%), and Consultation on social communication (38.6%). Factors associated to cancer patients’ demands for psychosocial support at Vietnam National Cancer Hospital are gender, the number of treatments, and psychological states. In addition, to improve the quality of life for cancer patients, Vietnam National Cancer Hospital should promote psychosocial support activities for cancer patients, based on associated factors.

The development of a web‐based resource to provide information and psychosocial support to informal cancer carers in hospitals in Vietnam

“…At present, palliative and supportive care, responsibility falls on the ICC, with 90% of patients dying at home being cared for by their families. As a result of rising numbers, limited resources and lack of infrastructure, the information and psychosocial support needs for both patients and their families remain highly prevalent and unmet (14).…”

Affective and Cognitive Processes in Cancer Narratives

“…When they use many negative emotion words, empathy can help them to overcome their uncertainty and despair. Pham et al (2019) found that cancer patients in the bargaining stage need the support of medical staff and social workers to strengthen their hope of overcoming the disease, while those who are in the shock and denial stages need the most support. This study is constrained by what the cancer survivors can remember at the time of the interview.…”

Mental health, functional impairment, and barriers to mental health access among cancer patients in Vietnam

“…In Vietnam, 26.4% and 31.2% of lung cancer inpatients reported clinically significant depression and anxiety symptoms, respectively (defined as meeting a threshold of 8 on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]) 5 . Additionally, prior literature demonstrates that a majority of cancer patients express a need for psychological support, with 68.4% of patients showing a desire for psychological consultation and counseling 6 . Crucially, addressing psychopathological presentation in cancer patients shows promise in improving quality of life and life expectancy 7 .…”

“…5 Additionally, prior literature demonstrates that a majority of cancer patients express a need for psychological support, with 68.4% of patients showing a desire for psychological consultation and counseling. 6 Crucially, addressing psychopathological presentation in cancer patients shows promise in improving quality of life and life expectancy. 7 However, currently, the treatment gap is unacceptably large, with 77.6%, 88.6%, and 96.3% of adults with major depressive disorders not receiving minimally appropriate treatment in high-income, uppermiddle, and low/lower-middle-income countries, respectively.…”