COVID-19 Emotional and Mental Impact on Cancer Patients Receiving Radiotherapy: An Interpretation of Potential Explaining Descriptors

Abstract

Background: Significant changes in the accessibility and viability of health services have been observed during the COVID-19 period, particularly in vulnerable groups such as cancer patients. In this study, we described the impact of radical practice and perceived changes on cancer patients’ mental well-being and investigated potential outcome descriptors. Methods: Generalized anxiety disorder assessment (GAD-7), patient health (PHQ-9), and World Health Organization-five well-being index (WHO-5) questionnaires were used to assess anxiety, depression, and mental well-being. Information on participants, disease baseline information, and COVID-19-related questions were collected, and related explanatory variables were included for statistical analysis. Results: The mean score values for anxiety, depression, and mental well-being were 4.7 ± 5.53, 4.9 ± 6.42, and 72.2 ± 18.53, respectively. GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores were statistically associated (p < 0.001), while high values of GAD-7 and PHQ-9 questionnaires were related to low values of WHO-5 (p < 0.001).Using the GAD-7 scale, 16.2% of participants were classified as having mild anxiety (GAD-7 score: 5–9).Mild to more severe anxiety was significantly associated with a history of mental health conditions (p = 0.01, OR = 3.74, 95% CI [1.372–10.21]), and stage category (stage III/IV vs. I/II, p = 0.01, OR = 3.83, 95% CI [1.38–10.64]. From the participants, 36.2% were considered to have depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 5). Depression was related with older patients (p = 0.05, OR = 1.63, 95% CI [1.16–2.3]), those with previous mental health conditions (p = 0.03, OR = 14.24, 95% CI [2.47–81.84]), those concerned about the COVID-19 impact on their cancer treatment (p = 0.027, OR = 0.19, 95% CI [0.045–0.82]) or those who felt that COVID-19 pandemic has affected mental health (p = 0.013, OR = 3.56, 95% CI [1.30–9.72]). Additionally, most participants (86.7%) had a good well-being score (WHO-5score ≥ 50). Mental well-being seemed more reduced among stage I–III patients than stage IV patients (p = 0.014, OR = 0.12, 95% CI [0.023–0.65]). Conclusion: There is a necessity for comprehensive cancer care improvement. These patients’ main concern related to cancer therapy, yet the group of patients who were mentally affected by the pandemic should be identified and supported.

Realfood and Cancer: Analysis of the Reliability and Quality of YouTube Content

“…It was found that this information is mainly provided by accounts or users who do not identify themselves as healthcare professionals or health institutions. This trend can be observed in other studies analyzing YouTube as a source of information for pathologies such as diabetes [ 27 ], cancer [ 3 , 5 , 9 , 18 ], dermatological conditions such as psoriasis [ 25 ], and even vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 47 ]. However, this situation is not exclusive to YouTube, as it has also been found in other social networks based on written communication, such as Twitter, also in pathologies such as cancer [ 20 , 48 ] and even in primary prevention strategies such as vaccination against the COVID-19 pandemic [ 48 ].…”

“…The need to obtain information about a cancer diagnosis is so necessary for patients to know something such as treatments, side effects, or even how to live with cancer [ 7 ] through cancer survivor testimonies [ 8 ]. But it is necessary not to forget the mental well-being associated with the access to information; this access reduces anxiety, depression, and even frustration, and is something essential to improve the emotional and mental well-being of patients who have received a diagnosis of cancer, as well as their families [ 8 , 9 ]. Although, in many cases, the main source of information is healthcare professionals [ 10 , 11 ], it is true that doubts and questions sometimes cannot wait, at which point patients or family members seek information in the most accessible way possible, which is using the Internet [ 12 ].…”

Diagnostic Performance of Screening Tools for Depressive Symptoms in Vulnerable Older Patients with Cancer Undergoing Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA): Results from the SCREEN Pilot Study

“…During the inclusion period of the pilot, there was a continued impact of COVID-19. This impacted upon the rate of inclusion, and there may have also been potential effects on the psychosocial well-being of the patients that should be considered [25,26]. This should be taken into account when interpreting the study results and depressive symptoms identified.…”

“You matter”: patients perceptions and disparities about cancer care and telehealth during and after COVID-19 pandemic

“…This could worsen outcomes since psychological discomfort in cancer patients has been reported to lead to a negative impact on their physical health, treatment adherence, and quality of life [ 13 , 14 ]. COVID-19 may have exacerbated the burden of cancer, and it is crucial that we identify the factors associated with the increasing prevalence of such mental health concerns [ 15 , 16 ].…”