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Determinants of Emotional Distress Among Cancer Patients in Portugal: A Cross-Sectional Study

Speaker(s)

Marques DAF1, Dimitrovova K1, Delgado F1, Silva S2, Pacheco F2, Leal M2, Fernandes E2, Dias A2, Costa AL2, Vieira M2, Marques G2, Sousa J1
1MOAI Consulting, Lisbon, 11, Portugal, 2Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro, Lisbon, Portugal

Presentation Documents

OBJECTIVES: The Portuguese Cancer League psycho-oncology unit provides specialized psychological support for oncological patients. This study aimed at measuring the presence of emotional distress (ED) in cancer patients in their first appointment, and to explore its association with clinical and socioeconomic characteristics.

METHODS: Patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire, which included the five Emotion Thermometers (ET) tool. Previously validated Portuguese cut-offs were used to indicate the presence of ED based on each ET (i.e., ≥5 for “distress”, “depression” and “anger”; ≥6 for “anxiety” and ≥4 for “need for help”). Five logistic regressions were performed to explore the association of ET with age, sex, disease phase (diagnosis, treatment, relapse, survival, palliative), pain and economic difficulties (yes/no).

RESULTS: Between 2020-2021, 500 patients answered the questionnaire. Mean age was 56.4, 78.6% were female, the most frequent diagnosis was breast cancer (50.6%), and most patients were currently in treatment (48.8%). Proportion of patients with ET scores above cut-offs were 84.4%, 75.6%, 72.6%, 58.0% and 91.4% for distress, anxiety, depression, anger, and need for help, respectively. Having economic difficulties increased the odds for reporting distress (OR=2.15, p<0.05), depression (OR=2.07, p<0.01) and anger (OR=1.83, p<0.01). Having pain increased the odds of reporting anxiety (OR=1.74, p<0.05) and need for help (OR=2.36, p<0.05). Being in the “survival” phase, in comparison of being in the “treatment” phase decreased the odds of reporting need for help (OR=0.49, p<0.05). Female patients were more likely to report distress (OR=1.79, p<0.05), anxiety (OR=1.81, p<0.05), and depression (OR=1.78, p<0.05). Each additional year of age increased in odds for reporting depression in approximately 2% (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Most cancer patients reported ED. Economic difficulties, having pain and being female were found as the main drivers for an increase odds of reporting ED. Special focus should be given to these patients, for further psychological support.

Code

PCR266

Topic

Patient-Centered Research

Topic Subcategory

Patient-reported Outcomes & Quality of Life Outcomes

Disease

No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas