Healthcare utilization among breast cancer patients during the COVID-19 outbreak

Abstract

Objective Continuing to utilize healthcare as needed during an epidemic outbreak is significant, in general, and especially for cancer patients. Therefore, this study aimed to explore factors associated with health services utilization among breast cancer patients during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. Method A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 151 women with breast cancer. Participants completed measures of perceived health status, perceived susceptibility to COVID-19, anxiety, coping resources, health services utilization (contact with healthcare professionals and cancellation of an appointment to the oncology/hematology clinic), and socio-demographic questionnaires. A multiple hierarchical regression was calculated; contact with healthcare professionals was the dependent variable. In addition, a logistic regression was calculated; cancellation of an appointment to the oncology/hematology clinic because of the COVID-19 was the dependent variable. Results Breast cancer patients’ contact with healthcare professionals was lower than their contact prior to the pandemic. A higher extent of contact with healthcare professionals was related to patients’ perception of health as bad/reasonable, lower perceived susceptibility, a lower sense of mastery, and higher social support. In addition, the odds of cancelling an appointment to the oncology/hematology clinic were higher in the presence of additional chronic illnesses and a higher sense of mastery. Significance of results The results could provide public health agencies with a more complete picture of the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic among breast cancer patients. This is significant because, in the event that COVID-19 re-emerges, the findings of the current study could help guide public health officials and possibly prevent the future avoidance of health services’ use among this high-risk population.

The Impact of Age on Negative Emotional Reactions, Compliance With Health Guidelines, and Knowledge About the Virus During the COVID-19 Epidemic: A Longitudinal Study From Israel

“…[22][23][24][25] The Ministry of Health and the media made major efforts to disseminate knowledge and guidelines to the general public, perhaps leading to an increase in knowledge between the first and second waves of the epidemic. 22,26,27 Nonetheless, during Phase 1 younger people may not have internalized all the regulations. Indeed, younger people may have still felt that the virus was harmful only to older people and those with preexisting conditions and thus felt less need to conform to the guidelines.…”

“…Compliance with health guidelines was measured by 4 items written by the authors in accordance with the precautionary guidelines issued by the Israel Health Ministry. 22 Scale validity was assessed by expert validity, a form of content validity. The scale was reviewed by a panel of 4 expert physicians.…”

“…Knowledge about the COVID-19 virus was measured using a 6-item COVID-19 knowledge test that assessed symptoms, diagnosis, risk factors, means of infection, ways to protect oneself from COVID-19 infection and knowledge regarding when an individual suspected of having COVID-19 should be referred for treatment. 22 Expert validity was used to assess the validity of the scale. Participants answered on a 5-point Likert-type scale ranging from 1 = don't know anything to 5 = know very much.…”

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on stress and emotional reactions in Israel: a mixed-methods study

“…‘In your opinion, how likely is it that you will contract COVID-19?’). 17 Participants answered on a five-point Likert-type scale ranging from 1=not at all likely to 5=very likely.…”

Tipping the Scales: A Theoretical Model to Describe the Opposing Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mortality

“…30 Populations at higher risk, such as breast cancer patients, reported less contacts with health care professionals during April 2020. 31 Additionally, social distancing used as the main mitigation strategy during the current pandemic, has had a substantial impact on both the economic situation and mental health state of individuals. The prevalence of depression has increased by approximately three-fold.…”