Living with cancer in the COVID‐19 pandemic: An Italian survey on self‐isolation at home

Abstract

Objective To investigate the perception of self‐isolation at home in patients with cancer during the lockdown period resulting from the COVID‐19 outbreak in Italy. Methods A cross‐sectional descriptive study was conducted through an online survey of patients with cancer who were sheltering at home from 29th March to 3rd May 2020. Perception of self‐isolation was assessed using the ISOLA scale, after evaluation of its psychometric properties. Content analysis was used to analyse two open‐ended questions. Results The participants were 195 adult patients with cancer (female = 76%; mean age = 50.3 ± 11.2; haematological malignancy = 51.3%). They reported moderate isolation‐related suffering ( M = 2.64 ± 0.81), problems in their relationships with others ( M = 3.31 ± 1.13) and difficulties in their relationships with themselves ( M = 3.14 ± 1.06). Patients who experienced significantly more social problems were older, had less education and were living without minor children. Overall, four main categories emerged from the qualitative content analysis: (1) lack of freedom and social life, (2) uncertainty and worries, (3) feeling supported and (4) dealing with isolation. Conclusion Living with cancer in the COVID‐19 pandemic was often perceived as an isolating experience, primarily in terms of detachment from loved ones.

Experiences of people affected by cancer during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic: an exploratory qualitative analysis of public online forums

“…Previous research suggests that while both patients and ICs experience loneliness during COVID-19 [15,29,30], some patients expressed feelings of societal connectedness because everybody was advised to stay home [15]. This finding is consistent with our subthemes "changes in societal behaviors" and "cancer experience as a resource."…”

COVID-19 lockdown and lifestyles: A narrative review

“…Studies show that patients with pre-existing NCDs have found it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown measures introduced by countries 227 . Patients with coronary heart disease [228][229][230][231][232] , neurological disorders 233,234 , diabetes 235,236 and cancer 237,238 have had to compromise on their physical activity routine, dietary patterns, and social connectedness in particular 227,236,239,240 as did families with children who had chronic respiratory diseases 193,241 . Poor glycemic control in diabetics due to altered lifestyle was reported in many studies [242][243][244][245][246][247][248] , while one study in India reported an improvement in the glycemic status of patients with type II diabetes mellitus 249 .…”

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual functioning and activity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have been, indeed, experiencing anxiety, depression, panic, as well as economic-financial problems, such as unemployment, increased poverty, and declining incomes and earnings [14][15][16], that have affected people's sexual activity [17]. Restrictions on people's activities, reduced sports activities, economic issues, increased psychological stress, and reduced entertainment have dramatically impacted sexual activity and functioning [18].…”