Psychosocial distress and the preferred method of delivery of mind–body interventions among patients with head-and-neck cancer

Abstract

ObjectiveTo describe the psychosocial distress of head-and-neck cancer patients at the completion of therapy and the interest in and the preferred method of delivery of mind–body interventions (MBIs) among head-and-neck cancer patients.Materials and methodsA descriptive, cross-sectional design was used to measure sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, and the interest in and the preference for MBIs using anonymous, self-report questionnaires among a convenience sample of 30 males at their 3-month follow-up. Questionnaires included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the self-created Survey for Preferred Methods of MBI. Frequency distributions and descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample demographic and clinical characteristics.ResultsThe mean age of the sample was 59 years. Oral cancer (63%) was the most common type of cancer. Nineteen participants (63%, 90% CI 47%–78%) had some interest in MBIs. Of interested participants, 8 (42%) preferred participating in MBIs alone, 10 (53%) preferred participating in MBIs at homes, 10 (53%) preferred participating in MBIs using a computer or mobile device, and 8 (42%) preferred participating in MBIs after the diagnosis, but before treatment started. Mean depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance scores were 8.25 (SD 2.93), 5.41 (SD 3.52), and 6.3 (SD 3.86), respectively. Results from the independent-samples t-test and Mann–Whitney U tests revealed no significant differences in anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance by MBI interest.ConclusionAsking about depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances may help to identify head-and-neck cancer patients at risk for psychosocial distress. These findings suggest an interest in MBIs, but further research is warranted.

Quality of life analysis of patients treated with cetuximab or cisplatin for locoregionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck in the United States

“…SCCHN is among the most debilitating cancers due to the effect of the tumor and its treatment on the physiological functions of swallowing, speech, and breathing, and the impact of treatment-related facial disfigurement [29]. Consideration of QoL in this patient population is, therefore, especially important.…”

Significados psicológicos atribuídos por pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço ao processo de adoecimento e tratamento durante a radioterapia

“…O CCP é um problema de saúde complexo que exige intervenções e manejo clínico fundamentados no conjunto mente-corpo-ambiente. Nesse sentido, os achados desse estudo podem contribuir para a modernização da clínica oncológica, sobretudo no que diz respeito à valorização da percepção dos pacientes sobre a probabilidade de ser ajudado ou prejudicado diante de um tratamento com forte evidência de pesquisa no combate à doença (93,198,235). Isso envolve expectativas dos pacientes em relação aos benefícios e riscos reais de um tratamento (230,234).…”