Financial burdens during the COVID-19 pandemic are related to disrupted healthcare utilization among survivors of adolescent and young adult cancers.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

We examined whether financial burdens occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted healthcare utilization among survivors of adolescent and young adult cancers.

Methods

We surveyed survivors enrolled in a patient navigation program to obtain self-reports of delayed/skipped cancer care or other care, changes to medication obtainment, and changes to medication use since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Reported financial burdens were defined as financial toxicity in the past 4 weeks (COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity [COST] ≤ median 21) and material hardships (range = 4-11) since March 2020. Adjusted logistic regression models calculated associations and effect modification by gender.

Results

Survivors (n = 341) were mostly female (61.3%) and non-Hispani

SUBMITTER: Ou JY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9112649 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature