Quality of Life and Psychosocial Impacts of the Different Restrictive Measures during One Year into the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients with Cancer in Italy: An Ecological Study

Maria Ferrara, Elisa Langiano, Lavinia Falese, Antonella De Marco and Elisabetta De Vito
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Maria Ferrara: Health Education Observatory of the Hygiene Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy
Elisa Langiano: Health Education Observatory of the Hygiene Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy
Lavinia Falese: Health Education Observatory of the Hygiene Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy
Antonella De Marco: Health Education Observatory of the Hygiene Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy
Elisabetta De Vito: Health Education Observatory of the Hygiene Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 13, 1-14

Abstract: Background: The aim of the study was to assess the perceived quality of life and the psychosocial impact of the various restrictive measures due to COVID-19 pandemic on cancer patients in Italy, as well as their perception of the relationship with doctors and caregivers. Methods: This study compares three population-based observational studies of patients with cancer carried out in three consecutive time periods characterized by different restrictive measures using a self-administered online questionnaire. Results: Among the basic needs, psychological and medical support appeared to be prevalent; so did the need for safe transportation to reach the treatment facilities. Internet was the main source of information on the coronavirus. Although 74.6% of the total number of patients did not give up hospital therapies, 34.8% complained about variations in the continuity of treatment, with different percentages in the three samples. The majority of the sample (73.8%) was worried of being infected, but 21.9% did not share their anxieties and worries with others. The multivariate regression analysis showed that a pessimistic perception of quality of life was influenced by living in extra-urban areas and alone (OR = 1.4; OR = 2.1); while a perception of a reduced physical function result affected by the state of anxiety and stress (OR = 1.9) and the difficulties in continuity of medical assistance (OR = 2.2). The scoring of the SF-12 in the Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Summary scores showed a fluctuating trend throughout the three periods investigated. Conclusions: It is important for health professionals, caregivers and social workers to identify the new needs in order to enhance home care interventions, personalize and optimize care, ensure continuity of care and guarantee a high quality of life even in a health emergency situation.

Keywords: cancer; containment; coronavirus; COVID-19; lockdown; mental health; pandemic; quality of life (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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