Impact of COVID-19 on health care and quality of life in women with breast cancer

Myers, Charlotte; Bennett, Kathleen; Kelly, Catherine M.; Walshe, Janice; O'Sullivan, Nollaig; Quinn, Mary Ellen; Lyons, Tomas; Weadick, Catherine; Cahir, Caitriona

doi:10.1093/jncics/pkad033

Cited by 8 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 38 publications

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“…This lack of income was found to be associated with lower scores in physical health and psychological health, as well as social relationships domains of QoL. These results partially align with the findings of previous studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of the association between income and social relationship domains [ 36 , 39 ]. In Thailand, the COVID-19 situation has significantly disrupted social networks and financial support systems, resulting in negative income effects [ 40 ].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

“…In Thailand, the COVID-19 situation has significantly disrupted social networks and financial support systems, resulting in negative income effects [ 40 ]. Previous studies highlighted a concerning trend of increasing perceived income burden among cancer patients which correlated with rising expenditures of cancer treatment [ 39 , 41 ]. In Thailand, these expenditures are covered by the universal health coverage scheme which provides basic medical treatment for Thai citizens.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Quality of Life and Associated Factors among Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Thailand

Witwaranukool,

Seedadard,

Krongthaeo

et al. 2024

IJERPH

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The dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly changed since its initial outbreak. This study aimed to investigate the quality of life (QoL) of patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy in the specific context of Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 415 patients with cancer. Instruments used were a demographic and clinical characteristics form, the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (cancer symptom burden), Strategies Used by People to Promote Health (self-care self-efficacy), and a Thai version of the Brief Form of the WHO Quality of Life Assessment. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The participants had an average age of 56 years. They reported a moderate level of QoL across all domains and for the overall QoL during the pandemic. The results of the multiple linear regression model indicated that positive self-care self-efficacy, being married, having health insurance, stage of chemotherapy, and reduced cancer symptom burden were significant predictors of overall QoL (adjusted R2 = 0.4940). Positive self-care self-efficacy also emerged as a primary predictor, positively influencing all QoL domains and overall QoL (p < 0.001). These findings emphasize the significance of self-care self-efficacy in enhancing the QoL of patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy during the pandemic. Integrating interventions to bolster self-care self-efficacy into the care plans for these patients can help them manage their symptoms, cope with the side effects of cancer treatment, and enhance their overall well-being.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Quality of Life and Associated Factors among Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Thailand

Witwaranukool,

Seedadard,

Krongthaeo

et al. 2024

IJERPH

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“…A qualitative exploratory study was conducted using the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) guidelines. [21] Participants Women with BC were initially enrolled into a prospective cohort study measuring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on BC healthcare services and women's well-being using a questionnaire (N=387) [22]. In total, 37 women from this cohort, purposively sampled based on SDH, were interviewed about their experience of the COVID-19 pandemic on health care and well-being during the pandemic [23].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lessons learned from COVID-19: improving breast cancer care post-pandemic from the patient perspective

Myers,

Bennett,

Cahir

2023

Preprint

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Background Since the onset of the pandemic, breast cancer (BC) services have been disrupted in most countries. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the unmet needs, patient-priorities, and recommendations for improving BC healthcare post-pandemic for women with BC and to understand how they may vary based on social determinants of health (SDH), in particular socio-economic status (SES). Methods Thirty-seven women, who were purposively sampled based on SDH and previously interviewed about the impact of COVID-19 on BC, were invited to take part in follow-up semi-structured qualitative interviews in early 2023. The interviews explored their perspectives of BC care since the easing of COVID-19 government restrictions, including unmet needs, patient-priorities, and recommendations specific to BC care. Thematic analysis was conducted to synthesize each topic narratively with corresponding sub-themes. Additionally, variation by SDH was analysed within each sub-theme. Results Twenty-eight women (mean age = 61.7 years, standard deviation(SD) = 12.3) participated in interviews (response rate = 76%). 39%(n = 11) of women were categorized as high-SES, while 61%(n = 17) of women were categorized as low-SES. Women expressed unmet needs in their BC care including routine care and mental and physical well-being care, as well as a lack of financial support to access BC care. Patient-priorities included: developing cohesion between different aspects of BC care; communication with and between healthcare professionals; and patient empowerment within BC care. Recommendations moving forward post-pandemic included: improving the transition from active to post-treatment; enhancing support resources; and implementing telemedicine where appropriate. Overall, women of low-SES experienced more severe unmet needs, which in turn resulted in varied patient-priorities and recommendations. Conclusion As health systems are recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, the emphasis should be on restoring access to BC care and improving the quality of BC care, with a particular consideration given to those women from low-SES, to reduce health inequalities post-pandemic.

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“…Only 12 studies remained after screening and eligibility assessment, and most studies (n = 7) focused on a single cancer type (S1 Fig) . Prior studies did find lower QoL of cancer survivors who contracted COVID-19 and even who did not get COVID and were compared to a reference group [23,24]. In addition, many studies were conducted using multiple measures, each measure determining a specific set of symptoms [24][25][26]. Because of the systemic nature of most QoL outcomes though, it is important to capture a more complete experience.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of COVID-19-related experiences on health-related quality of life in cancer survivors in the United States

Otto,

Prinsloo,

Natori

et al. 2024

PLoS ONE

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Objective Little evidence exists on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer survivors, limiting recommendations to improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in this population. We describe survivors’ pandemic experiences and examine associations between COVID-19-related exposures, psychosocial experiences, and HRQoL. Methods Between May 2020-April 2021, survivors completed cross-sectional questionnaires capturing COVID-19-related exposures (e.g., exposure to virus, job loss); psychosocial experiences (i.e., COVID-19-related anxiety/depression, disruptions to health care and daily activities/social interactions, satisfaction with providers’ response to COVID, financial hardship, perceived benefits of the pandemic, social support, and perceived stress management ability); and HRQoL. Results Data were collected from N = 11,325 survivors in the United States. Participants were mostly female (58%), White (89%) and non-Hispanic (88%), and age 63 on average. Breast cancer was the most common diagnosis (23%). Eight percent of participants reported being exposed to COVID-19; 1% tested positive. About 6% of participants lost their jobs, while 24% lost household income. Nearly 30% avoided attending in-person oncology appointments because of the pandemic. Poorer HRQoL was associated with demographic (younger age; female; non-Hispanic White), clinical (Medicare; stage IV disease; hematologic/digestive/respiratory system cancer), and psychosocial factors (low perceived benefits and stress management ability; more disruption to health care and daily activities/social interactions; financial hardship). Conclusions COVID-19-related stressors were associated with various psychosocial experiences in cancer survivors, and these psychosocial experiences were associated with HRQoL above and beyond demographic and clinical factors.

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Impact of COVID-19 on health care and quality of life in women with breast cancer

Cited by 8 publications

References 38 publications

Quality of Life and Associated Factors among Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Thailand

Quality of Life and Associated Factors among Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Thailand

Lessons learned from COVID-19: improving breast cancer care post-pandemic from the patient perspective

Impact of COVID-19-related experiences on health-related quality of life in cancer survivors in the United States

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