Gabriel Lopez1, Kathrin Milbury2, Minxing Chen3, Yisheng Li3, Eduardo Bruera2, Lorenzo Cohen2. 1. Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 1414, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. gabriel.lopez@mdanderson.org. 2. Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 1414, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. 3. Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The literature suggests that psychological distress and quality of life are interdependent in couples coping with cancer. The current study seeks to extend these findings to physical symptom burden, examining differences in symptom self-rating and perception of partner symptoms. METHODS: Couples were approached while waiting for an integrative oncology service. Fifty patients and their partners completed the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS-FS; twelve symptoms, scores 0-10, 10 worst possible) and a Global Health measure (PROMIS10). Patient and partner each also completed the ESAS-FS as it related to their perception of the other's symptoms. ESAS distress subscales analyzed included Global (GDS), Psychosocial (PSS), and Physical (PHS). Analyses included paired t tests to examine all measures. RESULTS: Fifty-eight percent of patients were female with most common cancer diagnoses of breast (22%), gastrointestinal (16%), and thoracic/H&N (16%). For ESAS-FS self-ratings, patients had significantly higher physical distress than partners, with a no significant difference in psychosocial distress. For PROMIS10 self-ratings, patients reported significantly lower global health and physical health, (p's < 0.001); no differences were found for mental health between patients and caregivers. Patient rating of partner physical distress (PHS, p = 0.01) was significantly higher than partner self-rating, with no significant difference observed in ratings for psychosocial distress. Partner rating of patient psychosocial distress (PSS, p < 0.001) and physical distress (PHS, p = 0.001) was significantly higher than that of patient self-rating. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that both patients and partners perceive physical distress of the other higher than self; however, patients may be more sensitive to psychosocial distress in their partners.
BACKGROUND: The literature suggests that psychological distress and quality of life are interdependent in couples coping with cancer. The current study seeks to extend these findings to physical symptom burden, examining differences in symptom self-rating and perception of partner symptoms. METHODS: Couples were approached while waiting for an integrative oncology service. Fifty patients and their partners completed the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS-FS; twelve symptoms, scores 0-10, 10 worst possible) and a Global Health measure (PROMIS10). Patient and partner each also completed the ESAS-FS as it related to their perception of the other's symptoms. ESAS distress subscales analyzed included Global (GDS), Psychosocial (PSS), and Physical (PHS). Analyses included paired t tests to examine all measures. RESULTS: Fifty-eight percent of patients were female with most common cancer diagnoses of breast (22%), gastrointestinal (16%), and thoracic/H&N (16%). For ESAS-FS self-ratings, patients had significantly higher physical distress than partners, with a no significant difference in psychosocial distress. For PROMIS10 self-ratings, patients reported significantly lower global health and physical health, (p's < 0.001); no differences were found for mental health between patients and caregivers. Patient rating of partner physical distress (PHS, p = 0.01) was significantly higher than partner self-rating, with no significant difference observed in ratings for psychosocial distress. Partner rating of patientpsychosocial distress (PSS, p < 0.001) and physical distress (PHS, p = 0.001) was significantly higher than that of patient self-rating. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that both patients and partners perceive physical distress of the other higher than self; however, patients may be more sensitive to psychosocial distress in their partners.
Authors: Kimberson Tanco; Marieberta Vidal; Joseph Arthur; Marvin Delgado Guay; David Hui; Diane Liu; Gary Chisholm; Eduardo Bruera Journal: Palliat Support Care Date: 2017-03-07
Authors: Gabriel Lopez; Wenli Liu; Kathrin Milbury; Amy Spelman; Qi Wei; Eduardo Bruera; Lorenzo Cohen Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2017-06-28 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: D J Milne; L L Mulder; H C M Beelen; P Schofield; G I J M Kempen; S Aranda Journal: Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) Date: 2006-05 Impact factor: 2.520
Authors: Bryce B Reeve; Sandra A Mitchell; Amylou C Dueck; Ethan Basch; David Cella; Carolyn Miller Reilly; Lori M Minasian; Andrea M Denicoff; Ann M O'Mara; Michael J Fisch; Cynthia Chauhan; Neil K Aaronson; Corneel Coens; Deborah Watkins Bruner Journal: J Natl Cancer Inst Date: 2014-07-08 Impact factor: 13.506