Quality of Life and Psychosocial Impacts of the Different Restrictive Measures during One Year into the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients with Cancer in Italy: An Ecological Study

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the perceived quality of life and the psychosocial impact of the various restrictive measures due to COVID-19 pandemic on cancer patients in Italy, as well as their perception of the relationship with doctors and caregivers. Methods: This study compares three population-based observational studies of patients with cancer carried out in three consecutive time periods characterized by different restrictive measures using a self-administered online questionnaire. Results: Among the basic needs, psychological and medical support appeared to be prevalent; so did the need for safe transportation to reach the treatment facilities. Internet was the main source of information on the coronavirus. Although 74.6% of the total number of patients did not give up hospital therapies, 34.8% complained about variations in the continuity of treatment, with different percentages in the three samples. The majority of the sample (73.8%) was worried of being infected, but 21.9% did not share their anxieties and worries with others. The multivariate regression analysis showed that a pessimistic perception of quality of life was influenced by living in extra-urban areas and alone (OR = 1.4; OR = 2.1); while a perception of a reduced physical function result affected by the state of anxiety and stress (OR = 1.9) and the difficulties in continuity of medical assistance (OR = 2.2). The scoring of the SF-12 in the Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Summary scores showed a fluctuating trend throughout the three periods investigated. Conclusions: It is important for health professionals, caregivers and social workers to identify the new needs in order to enhance home care interventions, personalize and optimize care, ensure continuity of care and guarantee a high quality of life even in a health emergency situation.

Relationship between Income and Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic in China

“…From the outset, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant negative impact on people’s mental health [ 3 , 4 , 5 ]. For example, Ferrara et al [ 6 ] reported that the COVID-19 disease and the restrictive government measures harmed the mental health of individuals around the world, causing fear, frustration, anger and a long list of complex negative emotions. This result was also confirmed by Sánchez et al [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ].…”

Level of Anxiety Caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic among Dentists in Poland

“…In the case of the Tysi ąc-Miśta study, it was the first month of the pandemic (April 2020). As indicated by Ferrara et al in their study [18], the impact of the pandemic on anxiety, depression, and stress was highest in the first weeks of the pandemic and changed with time. This is at variance with the limited professional activity that took place in the first months of the pandemic in Poland, when the vast majority of offices were closed.…”

“…In the case of the Tysiąc-Miśta study, it was the first month of the pandemic (April 2020). As indicated by Ferrara et al in their study [ 18 ], the impact of the pandemic on anxiety, depression, and stress was highest in the first weeks of the pandemic and changed with time.…”

Effects of Cognitive Appraisals on Perceived Self-Efficacy and Distress during the COVID-19 Lockdown: An Empirical Analysis Based on Structural Equation Modeling

“…Further research reported that restrictive measures forced individuals to modify their lifestyles; their risk perceptions; their confidence in others and in institutions; their sense of community; and their perceived self-efficacy [ 8 , 9 ]. Female gender, younger age, occupational status (employed), lower perceived wellbeing, and health risk factors and diseases, such as cancer, were predictors of mental health symptoms that were correlated with the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictive measures for public safety [ 10 , 11 , 12 ].…”