Risk Factors for a Higher Symptom Burden in Patients With Cancer During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objectives: Evaluate for subgroups of patients with distinct symptom profiles and for differences in demographic and clinical characteristics and stress and resilience among these subgroups. Sample and setting:Patients were >18 years of age; had a diagnosis of cancer; and completed a survey online. Data were collected between May 2020 and February 2021. Methods and variables: Patients (n = 1145) completed measures for depression, state anxiety, cognitive function, morning fatigue, evening fatigue, morning energy, evening energy, sleep disturbance and worst pain and measures of stress and resilience. Latent class profile analysis was used to identify subgroups of patients with distinct symptom profiles. Differences among the subgroups in study measures were evaluated using parametric and non-parametric tests.Results: Four distinct profiles were identified (i.e., None (28.5%), Low 37.7%), High (25.9%), Very High (7.9%)). Patients in the High and Very High classes reported clinically meaningful levels of all nine symptoms. Differences among the four profiles for stress and resilience exhibited a dose response effect (i.e., as symptom burden increased ratings of stress, loneliness, and social isolation increased and ratings of resilience decreased.Implications for Nursing: Findings can serve as "benchmark data" of the symptom burden of patients with cancer following the pandemic.