Masako Okamura1,2, Maiko Fujimori3,4, Ayako Sato1,2, Yosuke Uchitomi1,2. 1. Division of Behavioral Science Research, Behavioral Sciences and Survivorship Research Group, Center for Public Health Sciences, National Cancer Center, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan. 2. Innovation Center for Supportive, Palliative and Psychosocial Care, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. 3. Division of Behavioral Science Research, Behavioral Sciences and Survivorship Research Group, Center for Public Health Sciences, National Cancer Center, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan. mfujimor@ncc.go.jp. 4. Innovation Center for Supportive, Palliative and Psychosocial Care, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. mfujimor@ncc.go.jp.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Young adult cancer patients often face unique challenges and have potential unmet needs. This study aimed (1) to describe unmet supportive care needs among young adults with cancer in Japan, and (2) to identify its associated factors. METHODS: In a cross-sectional web-based survey, 206 young adults with cancer were assessed for supportive care needs. Multiple regression analysis examined whether demographics, clinical variables and social support were associated with unmet supportive care needs. RESULTS: A total of 206 patients (180 female) with a mean age of 33.7 years (SD = 4.3, range: 22-39) participated. One hundred and fifty-eight participants (76.7%) reported at least one unmet supportive care needs. The top 20 unmet needs included 9 of the 10 psychological needs, 3 of the 5 physical and daily living needs, 8 of the 11 health system and information needs and 1 of the 5 sexuality needs. Multiple regression analysis revealed that perceived poorer PS, experience of change in work/school after a cancer diagnosis and poor social support were significantly associated with higher supportive care needs. The total score of supportive care needs was significantly associated with both psychological distress and QOL. CONCLUSIONS: More than 70% of young adult cancer patients reported unmet supportive care needs and most of those were psychological needs. The findings suggest potential opportunities for intervention in addressing psychological needs rather than physical and information needs.
BACKGROUND: Young adult cancerpatients often face unique challenges and have potential unmet needs. This study aimed (1) to describe unmet supportive care needs among young adults with cancer in Japan, and (2) to identify its associated factors. METHODS: In a cross-sectional web-based survey, 206 young adults with cancer were assessed for supportive care needs. Multiple regression analysis examined whether demographics, clinical variables and social support were associated with unmet supportive care needs. RESULTS: A total of 206 patients (180 female) with a mean age of 33.7 years (SD = 4.3, range: 22-39) participated. One hundred and fifty-eight participants (76.7%) reported at least one unmet supportive care needs. The top 20 unmet needs included 9 of the 10 psychological needs, 3 of the 5 physical and daily living needs, 8 of the 11 health system and information needs and 1 of the 5 sexuality needs. Multiple regression analysis revealed that perceived poorer PS, experience of change in work/school after a cancer diagnosis and poor social support were significantly associated with higher supportive care needs. The total score of supportive care needs was significantly associated with both psychological distress and QOL. CONCLUSIONS: More than 70% of young adult cancerpatients reported unmet supportive care needs and most of those were psychological needs. The findings suggest potential opportunities for intervention in addressing psychological needs rather than physical and information needs.
Entities:
Keywords:
Cancer patient; Supportive care; Survivor; Unmet needs; Young adult
Authors: Gavin J Dyson; Kate Thompson; Susan Palmer; David M Thomas; Penelope Schofield Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2011-02-11 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Ashley Wilder Smith; Helen M Parsons; Erin E Kent; Keith Bellizzi; Brad J Zebrack; Gretchen Keel; Charles F Lynch; Mara B Rubenstein; Theresa H M Keegan Journal: Front Oncol Date: 2013-04-08 Impact factor: 6.244