Analysis of Distress in Patients with Gynecological Cancers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Telephone Survey

Abstract

Objective: To investigate distress levels in patients with gynaecological cancers during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and identify factors associated with distress. Material and Methods: A total of 193 patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery for gynaecological cancer were included in our research. The patients were contacted by phone and provided detailed information about our study and the questionnaire that was to be applied. We performed distress screening using The National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer and Problem List (PL), developed for cancer patients. Results: In the study group, 51% of patients were categorized in the high-stress group. As practical problems, childcare (p<0.001), insurance/financial (p<0.033), work/school (p<0.001), treatment decisions (p<0.001), have significant differences between 2 groups in the present study. As family problems dealing with children (p<0.001), family health issues (p<0.014) have significant differences between the low-stress group and the high-stress group. All the emotional parameters evaluated by PL questionnaire have significant difference between the groups. The emotional significance levels of the parameters are as follows: depression (p<0.001), fears (p<0.001), nervousness (p<0.002), sadness (p<0.001), worry (p<0.012), loss of interest (p<0.001). Conclusion: Our results send a message to the gynaecological cancer healthcare world about what conditions may plague the gynaecological cancer patient in COVID-19 pandemic. Identifying problem areas for patients in our study constitutes the first step in the intervention.