scholarly journals A nationwide survey of fatigue in cancer patients in Taiwan: an unmet need

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (6) ◽  
pp. 693-700 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kun-Ming Rau ◽  
Shiow-Ching Shun ◽  
Tzeon-Jye Chiou ◽  
Chang-Hsien Lu ◽  
Wei-Hsu Ko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
International Classification Of Diseases ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Clinical Issue ◽  
Icd 10 ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is an emerging clinical issue, although its prevalence and impact on quality of life (QOL) in cancer patients in Taiwan remain unclear. The present nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted to provide a thorough overview of the prevalence, related factors and impact of CRF in Taiwan. Methods In this multi-center survey, data were collected using the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD-10) Fatigue evaluation, Brief Fatigue Inventory–Taiwan (BFI-T), the Chinese version of the Symptom Distressed Scale and a fatigue experience survey. Logistic regression was used to determine the correlations between fatigue characteristics and the factors studied. Results A total of 1207 cancer patients were recruited from 23 hospitals in Taiwan. Fatigue was the most distressing symptom in Taiwanese cancer patients. The distress score was higher if CRF was diagnosed using ICD-10 compared with BFI-T. Rest and nutritional supplementation were the most common non-pharmacological treatments; blood transfusion was the most common pharmacological treatment. There were 45% of patients reported not receiving a timely intervention for fatigue. Conclusions Fatigue is the most bothersome symptom reported by Taiwanese cancer patients. Caregivers should be aware of the impact of CRF on QOL in cancer patients, constantly measure the severity of fatigue and provide appropriate interventions.

scholarly journals A cross sectional study to determine the prevalence of cough and its impact in patients with lung cancer: a patient unmet need

BMC Cancer ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amélie Harle ◽  
Alex Molassiotis ◽  
Oliver Buffin ◽  
Jack Burnham ◽  
Jaclyn Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lung Cancer Patients ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background There is absence of literature related to cough prevalence and its characteristics in lung cancer patients, with information deriving only from broader symptoms occurrence studies. The aims of this study were to provide a snapshot of the prevalence of all-cause-cough in lung cancer patients and to characterise cough in terms of its impact and severity. Methods A cross-sectional study recruiting consecutive lung cancer patients over a pre-defined period of time and using cough-specific validated tools in a tertiary referral centre in the UK, including a cough severity VAS and the Manchester Cough in Lung Cancer scale (MCLCS). Results Data was collected from 202 patients. All-cause cough prevalence was 57% (through VAS) both in the screened (N = 223) and research (N = 202) population or 67% (through the MCLCS), and cough severity was moderate at a mean of 32 mm (in a 100 mm VAS). Age, sex, smoking status, lung cancer histology, stage and comorbidities were not associated with cough prevalence. The only variable associated with lower cough reports was being ‘on anticancer treatment’; fewer patients on treatment reported a cough (40%) compared to those off treatment (54%) (p = 0.04). The impact of cough (as measured by MCLCS) was also significant (mean score = 22). About 18% of patients felt moderate/severe distress from their cough and about 15% often or always reported disturbed sleep due to coughing. Half the patients felt their cough warranted treatment. Conclusions Cough is a common symptom in lung cancer with considerable impact on patients’ lives. Cough presence and severity should regularly be assessed in clinical practice. There is an urgent need to focus on developing more potent antitussive treatments and improve the management of this complex and distressing symptom.

scholarly journals Effect of Flavor Enhancement on the Appreciation of Food in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 320-320
Author(s):  
Kenza Drareni ◽  
Moustafa Bensafi ◽  
Helene Lusson ◽  
Damien Vansteene ◽  
Agnès Giboreau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Hierarchical Cluster ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objectives Given the influence of sensory signals on food intake regulation and the subsequent nutritional status, it is important to reduce the impact of commonly observed smell and taste alterations on the pleasure of eating during chemotherapy. This study aimed to examine the effect of various types of flavor enhancement on the appreciation of an appetizer by a group of patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methods Five eggplant appetizers with no seasoning (REF) or enhanced with either salt, lemon, garlic or cumin were developed. In this cross-sectional study, 36 healthy female subjects (age 58 ± 7 y) (control group) and 84 breast cancer patients (age 56 ± 11 y) treated with chemotherapy were recruited. A hierarchical cluster analysis based on patients' self-reported smell and taste abilities classified the patients in two groups: the ‘unaltered, (high sensory abilities) n = 49’ and the ‘altered, (poor sensory abilities), n = 35’ group. Participants tasted and assessed the appreciation of the reference appetizer on a visual analog scale and performed a randomized comparative liking task, by rating the appreciation for each flavor-enhanced appetizer relative to the REF (one-sample t-test). Results There was no significant difference in the appreciation of the REF appetizer between the three groups (P > 0.05). In the comparative liking task, the control group rated similarly the appreciation between the flavor-enhanced and the REF appetizers except for the cumin-enhanced appetizer, which was appreciated significantly more than the REF (P < 0.001). Patients in both ‘altered’ and ‘unaltered’ groups appreciated similarly the cumin appetizer (P > 0.05), more the salt and garlic-enhanced appetizers (P ≤ 0.001, P = 0.005, respectively) and significantly less the lemon-enhanced appetizer relative to the REF (P = 0.029), confirming a tendency for patients to reject acid-flavored foods. Conclusions The salt and garlic enhancements were appreciated by the patients independent of the stage of chemotherapy or the severity of smell and taste alterations. Flavor enhancement seems a good strategy to maintain the pleasure of eating in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Further research is still needed on the appreciation and intake of a complete meal (starter, main course, dessert). Funding Sources APICIL and ELIOR groups.

scholarly journals Does the cancer patient's disease stage matter? A comparative study of caregivers' mental health and health related quality of life

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 189-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen Karine Grov ◽  
Berit Taraldsen Valeberg
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Disease Stage ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Related Qol ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjective:Cancer affects both patients and their caregivers. Caregiver burden may change during different stages of the patients' cancer trajectory. Limited research has focused on the impact of being a caregiver, assessed by the caregiver's mental health and quality of life (QOL) during the curative and the palliative phases of the patient's disease. The aim of this study is to compare caregivers of cancer patients during the curative and a palliative phases with respect to their mental health and health-related QOL.Method:This descriptive, cross-sectional study combines data from two studies. The first group consists of caregivers of patients with cancer in the late palliative phase and the second group consists of caregivers of outpatients with cancer who suffer from pain and/or use analgesics. Data were collected by means of standardized measures and analyzed with descriptive statistics.Results:Based on this material, no significant differences in mental health and health- related QOL were revealed for caregivers of cancer patients in the palliative and the curative phases, respectively. Neither education level in the caregivers, nor the patients' functional status influenced caregivers' mental health or QOL. Younger caregivers seem to have better physical QOL.Significance of results:Being caregivers of cancer patients seems to have a similar pattern of impact on caregivers' mental health and quality of life regardless of the patient's disease stage. We share some reflections about the way in which the cancer stage is divided and the appropriateness of such selection for measuring caregivers' mental health and QOL. Additionally, we discuss the use of generic instruments for measuring specific contexts and particular samples.

scholarly journals An evaluation of the effectiveness of the flour iron fortification programme in Brazil

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 1670-1674 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quenia dos Santos ◽  
Eduardo AF Nilson ◽  
Eliseu Verly Junior ◽  
Rosely Sichieri
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Iron Fortification ◽  
Present Communication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Dietary Record ◽  
Usual Intake ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectiveThe present communication reports a strategy to calculate the intake of Fe based on data available for folic acid and evaluate the programme of flour fortification in Brazil.DesignCross-sectional study conducted in Brazil during 2008 and 2009. A 2d dietary record of individuals was used. The usual intake of folic acid by sex and age group was estimated using the National Cancer Institute method. The quantity of folic acid and Fe established by mandatory food fortification in Brazil was used, and based on that quantity we calculated the amount of flour consumed and the intake of Fe from fortification and Fe from food. Then, the absorption of each nutrient was calculated.SettingBrazilian households (n 16 764).SubjectsIndividuals (men and women, n 34 003, aged 10 to 60+ years) from a Brazilian nationwide survey.ResultsMean intake and absorption of Fe from fortification (electrolytic Fe) was low in men and women.ConclusionsThe impact from the consumption of fortified products is small in relation to Fe intake in Brazil. The strategy proposed to estimate Fe intake from the fortification programme indicates that the amount of flour intake observed in Brazil does not justify the current ranges of mandatory flour fortification and the form of Fe that is mainly used (electrolytic Fe).

scholarly journals Vitamin D status and its determinants in children and adults among families in late summer in Denmark

2014 ◽  
Vol 112 (5) ◽  
pp. 776-784 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katja H. Madsen ◽  
Lone B. Rasmussen ◽  
Heddie Mejborn ◽  
Elisabeth W. Andersen ◽  
Christian Mølgaard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Dietary Vitamin ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

The impact of the familial relationship on vitamin D status has not been investigated previously. The objective of the present cross-sectional study was to assess serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration and its determinants in children and adults among families in late summer in Denmark (56°N). Data obtained from 755 apparently healthy children (4–17 years) and adults (18–60 years) recruited as families (n 200) in the VitmaD study were analysed. Blood samples were collected in September–October, and serum 25(OH)D concentration was measured by liquid chromatography–tandem MS. Information on potential determinants was obtained using questionnaires. The geometric mean serum 25(OH)D concentration was 72·1 (interquartile range 61·5–86·7) nmol/l (range 9–162 nmol/l), with 9 % of the subjects having 25(OH)D concentrations < 50 nmol/l. The intra-family correlation was 0·27 in all subjects, 0·24 in the adults and 0·42 in the children. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was negatively associated with BMI (P< 0·001) and positively associated with dietary vitamin D intake (P= 0·008), multivitamin use (P= 0·019), solarium use (P= 0·006), outdoor stay (P= 0·001), sun preference (P= 0·002) and sun vacation (P< 0·001), but was not associated with lifestyle-related factors in the adults when these were assessed together with the other determinants. In conclusion, the majority of children and adults among the families had serum 25(OH)D concentrations >50 nmol/l in late summer in Denmark. Both dietary and sun-related factors were determinants of vitamin D status and the familial component was stronger for the children than for the adults.

scholarly journals Cancer Information Satisfaction among Indonesian Cancer Survivors

2021 ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Wenny Savitri ◽  
Masta Hutasoit
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cancer Information ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adult Cancer Survivors ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Impact

Information for cancer patients is significant to overcome a cancer diagnosis and its treatment, affecting patients' quality of life. This study aimed to assess the level of satisfaction with the information on illness treatment among Indonesian cancer survivors, explore its association with the patients' demographic and health-related characteristics, and provide recommendations and improve the information. Sixty adult cancer survivors at the oncology unit of Panembahan Senopati Bantul Hospital of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, were recruited in a cross-sectional study design completing a demographic and health-related data form and the Satisfaction with Cancer Information Profile Questionnaire. The data were then analyzed using descriptive statistics and path analysis. Most patients were dissatisfied with the amount and content of cancer information provided by health care ranging from 12-67%, particularly on the information regarding managing unwanted-side effects of the treatment and the impact of their cancer treatment on long-term quality of life. The patients were also discontented with the detail of information, the timing,  and the usefulness of information to others. Demographic and health-related characteristics directly influence the patients' satisfaction of information (β= 0.461, p = 0.045). Patients who were divorced, not living with their spouses, and diagnosed with cancer for a longer time (more than two years) were the significant contributors to directly influencing their satisfaction. Nurses need to enhance the detail of information, find the best time to provide and design a better way to deliver cancer patients' information.

scholarly journals Awareness of Diagnosis and Decision-Making Preferences of Greek Cancer Patients

2020 ◽  
pp. 5-12
Author(s):  
Despoina G Alamanou ◽  
Konstantinos Giakoumidakis ◽  
Dimosthenis G Theodosiadis ◽  
Nikolaos V Fotos ◽  
Elissavet Patiraki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical Encounter ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The City

Objective: In Greece, the old phenomenon of hiding cancer diagnosis and depriving cancer patients of their right to participate in decisionmaking remains a reality. The aim of this study was to assess the decision-making preferences of Greek cancer patients and their awareness of diagnosis. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 229 adult Greek patients diagnosed with cancer, attending the oncology outpatient department (outpatients) or being hospitalized (inpatients), in one general hospital in Athens. Patients who were aware of cancer diagnosis (n=209) were administered at the Control Preference Scale (CPS), a tool, designed to elicit decision-making preferences. The IBM SPSS program, version 21.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: One hundred and one patients (52.8%) were males. The mean [±standard deviation (SD)] age was 64.8 (±11.2) years. The vast majority of patients knew they suffered from cancer (n=209, 91.3%). Older patients (p=0.003), those who lived in suburbs of the city (p=0.01), those who had lower educational level (p=0.001), those with lower personal income (p=0.001) and shorter disease duration (p=0.001) stated that were unaware of cancer diagnosis. Seventy five (36.2%) patients chose the shared-decision role in decision-making procedures. Lower age (OR 1.04, 95%, CI: 1.00-1.08, p= 0.05) and higher education level (OR 2, 63, 95%, CI: 1.11-6.29, p=0.03) were significantly associated with the preference of patients to actively participate in decision-making regarding treatment. Conclusions: Although Greek cancer patients are aware of cancer diagnosis and treatment, nowadays, they still seem to hesitate in playing a more active role in the decision-making procedures, which portrays the impact of the dominating paternalistic model of doctor-patient relationship in the Greek medical encounter

scholarly journals Factors influencing non-adherence to opioids in cancer patients: a mixed-methods cross-sectional study

F1000Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 1471
Author(s):  
Rattaphol Seangrung ◽  
Mallika Ahuja ◽  
Koravee Pasutharnchat ◽  
Rungwipha Mahawan
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Pain Clinic ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Strong Opioids ◽  
Problem Awareness

Background: Strong opioids are mainly utilized to attenuate pain in cancer patients. Adherence to analgesic drugs significantly promotes adequate pain management and improves quality of life. We aimed to identify the factors influencing non-adherence to strong opioids in cancer patients. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, two-phased, mixed methods design was conducted prospectively to evaluate a cohort of 101 cancer patients who are currently prescribed strong opioids from a pain clinic in Thailand between January and March 2018. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire that included the following sections: general characteristics; the Medication Taking Behavior in Thai (MTB-Thai) for assessing adherence to medications; and factors influencing nonadherence, which were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. In addition, face-to-face in depth interviews were conducted with patients showing non-adherence to strong opioids (MTB-Thai score ≤21) and analyzed using thematic content analysis.  Results: Of 101 cancer pain patients that completed the questionnaire, 39.6% showed non-adherence to strong opioids. Illness understanding (P=0.047) and the use of more than three types of pain medication (P=0.032) were significant factors influencing non-adherence. Qualitative analysis indicated that fear of long-term outcomes, opioid side effects, ineffective pain control, attempts to make the regimen more acceptable, poor understanding, and non-acceptance of disease related to non-adherence. Conclusion: Non-adherence to opioids for cancer patients is a common problem. Awareness of patient factors, medication-related factors, and illness-related factors will provide the knowledge and adequate advice that may enhance adherence to medications.

scholarly journals Impact of corona-phobia on attitudes and acceptance towards COVID-19 vaccine among cancer patients: a single-center study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dilek Erdem ◽  
Irem Karaman
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
Vaccine Acceptance ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
Single Center Study ◽  
The Impact

Aim: This study aimed to assess the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) phobia and related factors on attitude towards COVID-19 vaccine in cancer patients. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 300 adult patients using a validated COVID-19 Phobia Scale (C19P-S) and related survey to determine the factors affecting vaccine acceptance between May–June 2021. Results: Regarding the COVID-19 vaccine willingness, 86.7% accepted vaccination, 6.3% were hesitant and 7% refused vaccination. Patients that accepted vaccination had significantly higher C19P-S scores in general, and in psychological and psychosomatic subdivisions. Univariate analysis revealed that increased age, being retired, and being married were significantly associated with willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Conclusion: The majority of patients had high coronophobia levels which were associated with increased willingness for the COVID-19 vaccines. Minimizing negative attitudes towards vaccines will most likely be achieved by raising awareness in the cancer population about COVID-19 vaccine.

scholarly journals Quality of life during the epidemic of COVID-19 and its associated factors among enterprise workers in East China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoxiao Chen ◽  
Qian Xu ◽  
Haijiang Lin ◽  
Jianfu Zhu ◽  
Yue Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Home Ventilation ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: The COVID-19 related lockdown and home confinement might have an important impact on the quality of life in enterprise workers. We investigated the quality of life during the epidemic in enterprise workers who just returned to work, and assessed its potential influencing factors to have a better understanding of the impact of COVID-19 epidemic lockdown and home confinement. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of enterprise workers conducted in Deqing and Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China. The Chinese version of EQ5D was used to assess life quality, and information about general characteristics and COVID-19 related factors was collected by a structured questionnaire, which was distributed through the social application “WeChat”. Results: A total of 2,435 participants were enrolled, 59.5% of which worked in Deqing. About 50% of the participants reported worries about the COVID-2019 epidemic and 40.1% had a centralized or home quarantine during the epidemic. The mean EQ-5D score and VAS were 0.990 and 93.5. Multiple logistic regression showed that the quality of life measures was related to physical activities (ORad=0.46) and keeping home ventilation (ORad=0.04) in Deqing, and were related to wearing a mask when going out (ORad=0.35), keeping home ventilation (ORad=0.16), unmarried status (ORad=2.38) and having a centralized or home quarantine (ORad=1.64) in Taizhou,Conclusions: The quality of life for returning enterprise workers in areas with different risks of COVID-19 was affected by different factors. Associated factors identified from this study would help develop proper intervention measures for enterprise workers to reduce the impact of large-scale public health events like the COVID-19 on their quality of life.

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