Examining the association among fear of COVID-19, psychological distress, and delays in cancer care.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Given the high risk of COVID-19 mortality, patients with cancer may be vulnerable to fear of COVID-19, adverse psychological outcomes, and health care delays.

Methods

This longitudinal study surveyed the pandemic's impact on patients with cancer (N= 1529) receiving Patient Advocate Foundation services during early and later pandemic. Generalized estimating equation with repeated measures was conducted to assess the effect of COVID-19 on psychological distress. Logistic regression with repeated measures was used to assess the effect of COVID-19 on any delays in accessing health care (e.g., specialty care doctors, laboratory, or diagnostic testing, etc.).

Results

Among 1199 respondents, 94% considered themselves high risk for COVID-19. Respondents with more f

SUBMITTER: Caston NE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8683527 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature