Anna Costantini1, Eva Mazzotti2, Samantha Serpentini3, Angela Piattelli4, Dorella Scarponi5, Gabriella De Benedetta6, Marco Bellani7. 1. Psycho-Oncology Departmental Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. 2. Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. 3. Psycho-Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS Comprehensive Cancer Center, Padua, Italy. 4. UOC Oncologia-Dipartimento Oncoematologico, Azienda Ospedaliera Cosenza, Cosenza, Italy. 5. Paediatric Unit, Sant'Orsola Hospital, Bologna University, Bologna, Italy. 6. Hematology Department, National Cancer Institute, Foundation Pascale, Naples, Italy. 7. Psycho-oncology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To measure the prevalence and characteristics of distress and hope for the future among psycho-oncologists, who faced the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency along with other healthcare workers. METHODS: A web-based study was conducted among members of the Italian Society of Psycho-Oncology between May 29 and June 5, 2020. RESULTS: A total of 237 members, aged 28-72 years, completed the COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI), Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and HOPE questionnaires; 86.92% were female, 58.65% worked in hospitals, 21.10% were exposed to COVID-19, 11.39% experienced peritraumatic distress, and 3.38% had posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Peritraumatic distress was associated with living alone (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41-8.13), using sleep remedies (AOR 3.79; 95% CI 1.41-10.21), and the perception of being avoided by family or friends because of work (AOR 2.69; 95% CI 1.02-7.11); high HOPE-Agency scores were associated with the absence of peritraumatic stress (AOR 0.40; 95% CI 0.16-0.96) after adjustment for age and sex. CONCLUSIONS: Psycho-oncologists showed greater resilience than other healthcare workers as they are trained to help others, but also to review their own values and behavior in light of stressful events. Of interest is the association between peritraumatic distress and social isolation, real or perceived. Healthcare institutions should pay attention to the mental well-being of their employees by promoting distress screening using simple tools such as the CPDI and implementing support interventions. Psycho-oncology associations should introduce policies aimed at developing a sense of social connectedness by providing an interactive system of orientation and scientific reference.
PURPOSE: To measure the prevalence and characteristics of distress and hope for the future among psycho-oncologists, who faced the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency along with other healthcare workers. METHODS: A web-based study was conducted among members of the Italian Society of Psycho-Oncology between May 29 and June 5, 2020. RESULTS: A total of 237 members, aged 28-72 years, completed the COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI), Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and HOPE questionnaires; 86.92% were female, 58.65% worked in hospitals, 21.10% were exposed to COVID-19, 11.39% experienced peritraumatic distress, and 3.38% had posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Peritraumatic distress was associated with living alone (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41-8.13), using sleep remedies (AOR 3.79; 95% CI 1.41-10.21), and the perception of being avoided by family or friends because of work (AOR 2.69; 95% CI 1.02-7.11); high HOPE-Agency scores were associated with the absence of peritraumatic stress (AOR 0.40; 95% CI 0.16-0.96) after adjustment for age and sex. CONCLUSIONS: Psycho-oncologists showed greater resilience than other healthcare workers as they are trained to help others, but also to review their own values and behavior in light of stressful events. Of interest is the association between peritraumatic distress and social isolation, real or perceived. Healthcare institutions should pay attention to the mental well-being of their employees by promoting distress screening using simple tools such as the CPDI and implementing support interventions. Psycho-oncology associations should introduce policies aimed at developing a sense of social connectedness by providing an interactive system of orientation and scientific reference.
Authors: Harvey Max Chochinov; Linda J Kristjanson; William Breitbart; Susan McClement; Thomas F Hack; Tom Hassard; Mike Harlos Journal: Lancet Oncol Date: 2011-07-06 Impact factor: 41.316
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