Annekathrin Sender1, Michael Friedrich2, Katja Leuteritz2, Erik Nowe3, Yve Stöbel-Richter4,5, Anja Mehnert2, Kristina Geue2. 1. Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany. annekathrin.sender@medizin.uni-leipzig.de. 2. Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany. 3. Medical Clinic II, Hospital St. Elisabeth and St. Barbara, Mauerstr. 5, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany. 4. Faculty of Managerial and Cultural Studies, University of Zittau/Goerlitz, 30 06 48, Goerlitz, Germany. 5. Integrated Research and Treatment Center (IFB), University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Coping with cancer at a young adult age (AYA) is a challenge for many patients and raises support needs. We aim to examine unmet supportive care needs and to investigate predictors of and changes in unmet needs over time. METHODS: We surveyed AYAs (18-39 years at time of diagnosis, diagnosis < 4 years) at two time points (t2 = 12 months after t1) using the Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS-SF34) among other validated measures. We conducted multiple hierarchical regressions to identify sociodemographic, medical and psychosocial predictors of unmet needs. RESULTS: A total of 514 AYAs (386 women) with a mean age of 29.6 years participated at both times. Psychological needs (Mt1 = 35.7; Mt2 = 32.09; p = 0.001) and informational needs (Mt1 = 32.18; Mt2 = 29.04; p = 0.021) were the most often reported unmet needs at both measurements and decreased slightly at t2. All other SCNS domains, except for patient care, remained stable over time. Higher supportive needs were associated with greater levels of effort to cope with the disease at both times in all domains. Older age and female gender were significantly associated with two and one of six domains, respectively, at t1 and t2. CONCLUSIONS: AYAs reported primarily unmet psychological and informational needs, which were stable over time and indicated that AYAs do not have sufficient access to the support they need. The degree of effort to cope with cancer plays a key role in terms of unmet support needs. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Regular screening for this variable in acute and especially follow-up care settings could pave the way for clinicians to offer more targeted support.
PURPOSE: Coping with cancer at a young adult age (AYA) is a challenge for many patients and raises support needs. We aim to examine unmet supportive care needs and to investigate predictors of and changes in unmet needs over time. METHODS: We surveyed AYAs (18-39 years at time of diagnosis, diagnosis < 4 years) at two time points (t2 = 12 months after t1) using the Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS-SF34) among other validated measures. We conducted multiple hierarchical regressions to identify sociodemographic, medical and psychosocial predictors of unmet needs. RESULTS: A total of 514 AYAs (386 women) with a mean age of 29.6 years participated at both times. Psychological needs (Mt1 = 35.7; Mt2 = 32.09; p = 0.001) and informational needs (Mt1 = 32.18; Mt2 = 29.04; p = 0.021) were the most often reported unmet needs at both measurements and decreased slightly at t2. All other SCNS domains, except for patient care, remained stable over time. Higher supportive needs were associated with greater levels of effort to cope with the disease at both times in all domains. Older age and female gender were significantly associated with two and one of six domains, respectively, at t1 and t2. CONCLUSIONS: AYAs reported primarily unmet psychological and informational needs, which were stable over time and indicated that AYAs do not have sufficient access to the support they need. The degree of effort to cope with cancer plays a key role in terms of unmet support needs. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Regular screening for this variable in acute and especially follow-up care settings could pave the way for clinicians to offer more targeted support.
Entities:
Keywords:
Adolescent; Cancer patient; Supportive care needs; Survivor; Unmet needs; Young adults (AYA)
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