Loneliness predicts suicidal ideation and anxiety symptoms in long-term childhood cancer survivors.

ABSTRACT: Long-term childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at risk for adverse late effects. However, not all of them are well understood. The present study addressed loneliness, a previously under-researched mental health risk in cancer survivor populations. We assessed the prevalence of loneliness and its impact on psychological symptoms over time.

Method

A registry-based sample of N = 633 adult long-term CCS underwent medical and psychological assessments and took part in a follow-up survey 2.5 years later. Psychological symptoms (somatic, anxiety, depression symptoms, and suicidal ideation) were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire. We calculated linear regression models of symptoms at follow-up to investigate the impact of loneliness over time (controlling for symptoms at

SUBMITTER: Ernst M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7753031 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan-Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature