scholarly journals Unmet supportive care needs and associated factors among young adult cancer patients in Japan

BMC Cancer ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Masako Okamura ◽  
Maiko Fujimori ◽  
Ayako Sato ◽  
Yosuke Uchitomi

Abstract Background Young adult cancer patients often face unique challenges and have potential unmet needs. This study aimed (1) to describe unmet supportive care needs among young adults with cancer in Japan, and (2) to identify its associated factors. Methods In a cross-sectional web-based survey, 206 young adults with cancer were assessed for supportive care needs. Multiple regression analysis examined whether demographics, clinical variables and social support were associated with unmet supportive care needs. Results A total of 206 patients (180 female) with a mean age of 33.7 years (SD = 4.3, range: 22–39) participated. One hundred and fifty-eight participants (76.7%) reported at least one unmet supportive care needs. The top 20 unmet needs included 9 of the 10 psychological needs, 3 of the 5 physical and daily living needs, 8 of the 11 health system and information needs and 1 of the 5 sexuality needs. Multiple regression analysis revealed that perceived poorer PS, experience of change in work/school after a cancer diagnosis and poor social support were significantly associated with higher supportive care needs. The total score of supportive care needs was significantly associated with both psychological distress and QOL. Conclusions More than 70% of young adult cancer patients reported unmet supportive care needs and most of those were psychological needs. The findings suggest potential opportunities for intervention in addressing psychological needs rather than physical and information needs.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masako Okamura ◽  
Maiko Fujimori ◽  
Ayako Sato ◽  
Yosuke Uchitomi

Abstract Background: Young adult cancer patients often face unique challenges and have potential unmet needs. This study aimed (1) to describe unmet supportive care needs among young adults with cancer in Japan, and (2) to identify its associated factors.Methods: In a cross-sectional web-based survey, 206 young adults with cancer were assessed for supportive care needs. Multiple regression analysis examined whether demographics, clinical variables and social support were associated with unmet supportive care needs.Results: A total of 206 patients (180 female) with a mean age of 33.7 years (SD=4.3, range: 22-39) participated. One hundred and fifty-eight participants (76.7%) reported at least one unmet supportive care needs. The top 20 unmet needs included 9 of the 10 psychological needs, 3 of the 5 physical and daily living needs, 8 of the 11 health system and information needs and 1 of the 5 sexuality needs. Multiple regression analysis revealed that perceived poorer PS, experience of change in work/school after a cancer diagnosis and poor social support were significantly associated with higher supportive care needs. The total score of supportive care needs was significantly associated with both psychological distress and QOL.Conclusions: More than 70% of young adult cancer patients reported unmet supportive care needs and most of those were psychological needs. The findings suggest potential opportunities for intervention in addressing psychological needs rather than physical and information needs.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masako Okamura ◽  
Maiko Fujimori ◽  
Ayako Sato ◽  
Yosuke Uchitomi

Abstract Background: Young adult cancer patients often face unique challenges and have potential unmet needs. This study aimed (1) to describe unmet supportive care needs among young adults with cancer in Japan, and (2) to identify its associated factors.Methods: In a cross-sectional web-based survey, 206 young adults with cancer were assessed for supportive care needs. Multiple regression analysis examined whether demographics, clinical variables and social support were associated with unmet supportive care needs.Results: A total of 206 patients (180 female) with a mean age of 33.7 years (SD=4.3, range: 22-39) participated. One hundred and fifty-eight participants (76.7%) reported at least one unmet supportive care needs. The top 20 unmet needs included 9 of the 10 psychological needs, 3 of the 5 physical and daily living needs, 8 of the 11 health system and information needs and 1 of the 5 sexuality needs. Multiple regression analysis revealed that perceived poorer PS, experience of change in work/school after a cancer diagnosis and poor social support were significantly associated with higher supportive care needs. The total score of supportive care needs was significantly associated with both psychological distress and QOL.Conclusions: More than 70% of young adult cancer survivors reported unmet supportive care needs and most of those were psychological needs. The findings suggest potential opportunities for intervention in addressing psychological needs rather than physical and information needs.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masako Okamura ◽  
Maiko Fujimori ◽  
Ayako Sato ◽  
Yosuke Uchitomi

Abstract Background: Young adult cancer patients often face unique challenges and have potential unmet needs. This study aimed (1) to describe unmet supportive care needs among young adults with cancer in Japan, and (2) to identify its associated factors.Methods: In a cross-sectional web-based survey, 206 young adults with cancer were assessed for supportive care needs. Multiple regression analysis examined whether demographics, clinical variables and social support were associated with unmet supportive care needs.Results: A total of 206 patients (180 female) with a mean age of 33.7 years (SD=4.3, range: 22-39) participated. One hundred and fifty-eight participants (76.7%) reported at least one unmet supportive care needs. The top 20 unmet needs included 9 of the 10 psychological needs, 3 of the 5 physical and daily living needs, 8 of the 11 health system and information needs and 1 of the 5 sexuality needs. Multiple regression analysis revealed that perceived poorer PS, experience of change in work/school after a cancer diagnosis and poor social support were significantly associated with higher supportive care needs. The total score of supportive care needs was significantly associated with both psychological distress and QOL.Conclusions: More than 70% of young adult cancer survivors reported unmet supportive care needs and most of those were psychological needs. The findings suggest potential opportunities for intervention in addressing psychological needs rather than physical and information needs.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 611-619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annekathrin Sender ◽  
Michael Friedrich ◽  
Katja Leuteritz ◽  
Erik Nowe ◽  
Yve Stöbel-Richter ◽  
...  

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 258 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.E. Giuliani ◽  
R.A. Milne ◽  
M. Puts ◽  
L.R. Sampson ◽  
J.Y.Y. Kwan ◽  
...  

PurposeIn the present work, we set out to comprehensively describe the unmet supportive care and information needs of lung cancer patients.Methods This cross-sectional study used the Supportive Care Needs Survey Short Form 34 (34 items) and an informational needs survey (8 items). Patients with primary lung cancer in any phase of survivorship were included. Demographic data and treatment details were collected from the medical charts of participants. The unmet needs were determined overall and by domain. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed to determine factors associated with greater unmet needs.Results From August 2013 to February 2014, 89 patients [44 (49%) men; median age: 71 years (range: 44–89 years)] were recruited. The mean number of unmet needs was 8 (range: 0–34), and 69 patients (78%) reported at least 1 unmet need. The need proportions by domain were 52% health system and information, 66% psychological, 58% physical, 24% patient care, and 20% sexuality. The top 2 unmet needs were “fears of the cancer spreading” [n = 44 of 84 (52%)] and “lack of energy/tiredness” [n = 42 of 88 (48%)]. On multivariable analysis, more advanced disease and higher MD Anderson Symptom Inventory scores were associated with increased unmet needs. Patients reported that the most desired information needs were those for information on managing symptoms such as fatigue (78%), shortness of breath (77%), and cough (63%).Conclusions Unmet supportive care needs are common in lung cancer patients, with some patients experiencing a very high number of unmet needs. Further work is needed to develop resources to address those needs.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. e034178
Author(s):  
Gek Phin Chua ◽  
Hiang Khoon Tan

ObjectivesTo qualitatively interpret the information and supportive care needs perceived by cancer patients undergoing treatment in order to get a deeper appreciation of patients’ needs and concerns. The intended outcome is to provide baseline knowledge for improving patient-centred strategies to better meet the information and supportive needs of patients.DesignA qualitative research approach, based on conventional content analysis, was used throughout the research process. The three open-ended questions obtained from a previous quantitative study guided the researchers to explore the information and supportive care needs of patients. Data from patients’ responses were analysed and coded in themes.Participants and settingPatients attending the Ambulatory Treatment Unit of the National Cancer Centre Singapore were invited to participate in the study. We determined from these subjects the type of information that cancer patients need, and to measure the extent to which these information needs are met by measuring patients’ level of satisfaction. Included in the quantitative study were three open-ended questions designed to gain a deeper understanding of their needs and concerns. All subjects were aged 21 years and above and able to understand and communicate in English/Mandarin. They were also aware of their diagnosis, they were not cognitively impaired and were not at the end-of-life situation.ResultsA variety of information and supportive care needs were identified, and three specific areas of concerns were identified: (1) psychosocial and supportive care needs, (2) information needs and (3) information delivery by professionals.ConclusionThe information and supportive care needs expressed were consistent with issues of cancer patients undergoing treatment. The strategies to improve patients’ coping abilities through patient-centred care are discussed. Further studies assessing the barriers of information provision by healthcare professionals should provide more detailed knowledge about unmet information needs.


2021 ◽  
pp. 107815522110391
Author(s):  
Sujana H Chowdhury ◽  
Bilkis Banu ◽  
Nasrin Akter ◽  
Sarder M Hossain

Background Breast cancer survivor goes through a period of needs in their post-treatment daily life. Relatively few studies have been conducted to understand the unmet needs among breast cancer survivors in Bangladesh. Recognize and measure patterns and predictors of unmet needs of breast cancer patients was the aim of the study. Objective To identify and measure patterns and predictors of unmet needs of breast cancer patients in Bangladesh. Method A cross-sectional study among 138 breast cancer patients; conveniently selected from two public and two private cancer institutes. Face-to-face interview for data collection and medical record review for checklist was done. Unmet needs have been determined by the supportive care needs survey short form 34 scale. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the predictors of unmet needs. Results The study indicated the top 10 moderate-to-high needs; among which the top five needs were from the information need domain. Surprisingly, private cancer treatment centers were identified as a significant predictor for unmet needs. Patients from private cancer institutes reported more explanation needs as well as needs with their physical and daily living and sexuality. Furthermore, the type of treatment like patient receiving combine treatment therapy reported more need for help compared to the patient receiving chemotherapy alone. Moreover, housewives reported the low need for patient care and support systems as a result of their reluctant behavior towards their health. Conclusion Individual’s unmet need assessment should be a part of every treatment protocol of breast cancer for a better treatment outcome.


2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (11) ◽  
pp. 1464-1475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brooke Swash ◽  
Nick Hulbert-Williams ◽  
Ros Bramwell

Despite high levels of psychological distress, there is a scarcity of research on unmet supportive care needs in haematological cancer patients. This qualitative study used an in-depth interpretative phenomenological approach to investigate the needs reported by six non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients and explored how these needs consequently shaped the patient experience. Emergent themes included the following: concerns for family, information needs and the need for psychological support. Participants reported feeling different to other cancer patients. Lack of understanding of their diagnosis by friends and family and lack of access to relevant support services are notable unmet needs that differ from previous findings.


2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18) ◽  
pp. 2560-2566 ◽  
Author(s):  
David P. Smith ◽  
Rajah Supramaniam ◽  
Madeleine T. King ◽  
Jeanette Ward ◽  
Martin Berry ◽  
...  

Purpose It is important to meet the supportive care needs of cancer patients to ensure their satisfaction with their care. A population-wide sample of men younger than 70 years and newly diagnosed with prostate cancer was surveyed to determine their unmet needs in five domains and the factors predicting them. Patients and Methods Eligible men were younger than 70 years and residents in New South Wales, Australia, with newly diagnosed histopathologically confirmed prostate cancer. Sixty-seven percent of eligible men diagnosed between October 2000 and October 2001 participated. Demographic, treatment, and self-reported health data were collected. Information on cancer stage, grade, and prostate-specific antigen was obtained from medical records. Logistic regression analyses determined patient and treatment variables that predicted higher unmet needs. Results More than half (54%) of men with prostate cancer expressed some level of unmet psychological need, and 47% expressed unmet sexuality needs. Nearly one fourth expressed a moderate or high level of unmet need with respect to changes in sexuality. Sexuality needs were independently predicted by being younger, having had a secondary school education only, having had surgery, and being married, living as married, or divorced. Uncertainty about the future was also an important area of unmet need. Conclusion Attention should be given to sexual and psychological needs in the early months after diagnosis or treatment of prostate cancer, particularly in younger men, those with less education, and those having surgery. Research into better ways of meeting these needs will enable us to meet them with as much rigor as we meet clinical treatment needs.


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