Prevalence and correlates of psychological distress, unmet supportive care needs, and fear of cancer recurrence among haematological cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

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 394 respondents volunteered their participation in response to a study advertisement distributed online through established haematology groups. Participants completed a self-report online survey exploring well-being, 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.

COVID‐19 and access to cancer care in Kenya: patient perspective

“…These results demonstrate the additional negative impact on people with cancer in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) in comparison to high‐income countries, where survey results were already alarming. For example, in Australia, 26% of respondents reported losing income and 29% indicated a worsening of financial concerns due to COVID‐19 21 . In a US‐based cancer patient survey, 46% of respondents reported experiencing some loss of income and nearly 48% were worried about the potential loss of health insurance 6 …”

“…For example, in Australia, 26% of respondents reported losing income and 29% indicated a worsening of financial concerns due to COVID-19. 21 In a US-based cancer patient survey, 46% of respondents reported experiencing some loss of income and nearly 48% were worried about the potential loss of health insurance. 6 In our study from Kenya, the economic impact of COVID-19 manifested negatively in participants' mental health.…”

Experiences and needs of people with haematological cancers during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A qualitative study

“…Interviews were conducted by authors NZ and EY (who both hold PhDs in psycho‐oncology and are trained in qualitative research methods) between August and November 2020. A semi‐structured interview guide was used (see Table S1 ), which incorporated broad and open‐ended questions created by the authors based on a review of clinically relevant issues identified in the COVID‐19 literature and our previous research, 21 clinical experience, and consultation with haematology healthcare professionals. A panel of haematology healthcare professionals, psycho‐oncological academics, and haematology patients assessed the appropriateness of the interview guide, and all agreed that the questions were understandable and relevant.…”

COVID-19 in patients with hematologic malignancy

“…Concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on cancer management were significantly associated with fear of cancer recurrence among responder in remission. 121 Other stressors were social distancing and limited social interactions induced by the pandemic. 122 Summary: management of patients with hematologic malignancy during the SARS-COV-2 pandemic For patients with HM, the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic represents a particular challenge for at least 2 reasons.…”