Decreased mental health, quality of life, and utilization of professional help in cancer patients with unexpressed needs: A longitudinal analysis
Menée en Allemagne à partir de données portant sur 449 patients atteints d'un cancer (sein, prostate, côlon) n'ayant pas exprimé de besoins spécifiques lors de leur admission dans un programme de réadaptation, cette étude longitudinale analyse l'évolution de leur santé psychique (dépression, anxiété, fonctionnement émotionnel, peur de la progression de la maladie), de leur qualité de vie et de leur utilisation d'une aide professionnelle
Background : Cancer patients' mental health and quality of life can be improved through professional support according to their needs. In previous analyses of the UNSAID study, we showed that a relevant of cancer patients did not express their needs during the admission interview of inpatient rehabilitation. We now examine trajectories of mental health, quality of life, and utilization of professional help in cancer patients with unexpressed needs. Methods : We enrolled 449 patients with breast, prostate, and colon cancer at beginning (T0) and end (T1) of a 3-week inpatient rehabilitation and 3 (T2) and 9 (T3) months after discharge. We explored depression (PHQ-2), anxiety (GAD-2), emotional functioning (EORTC QLQ-C30), fear of progression (FoP-Q-SF), and global quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30) using structuring equation models. Furthermore, we evaluated self-reports about expressing needs and utilization of professional help at follow-up. Results : Patients with unexpressed needs (24.3%, n = 107) showed decreased mental health compared to other patients (e.g., depression: d T0 = 0.32, d T1-T3 = 0.39). They showed a significant decline in global quality of life at discharge and follow-up (d = 0.28). Furthermore, they had a higher need for support (Cramer's V T2 = 0.10, T3 = 0.15), talked less about their needs (Cramer’s V T2 = 0.18), and made less use of different health care services at follow-up. Conclusion : Unexpressed needs in cancer patients may be a risk factor for decreased mental health, quality of life, and non-utilization of professional help in the long term. Further research should clarify causal relationships and focus on this specific group of patients to improve cancer care.
Psycho-Oncology 2021