Psychological distress in elderly cancer patients

ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence and specific manifestations of psychological distress in elderly cancer patients.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 153 elderly patients with cancer admitted to two tertiary hospitals were investigated using the convenience sampling method. Distress thermometer and the problem list, recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, were used to assess the psychological distress and its specific manifestations. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect demographic data.ResultsA total of 67 participants (43.8%) exhibited psychological distress to some degree. The analysis of the sub-categories in the problem list showed significant differences (p < 0.001). The highest scoring category was the emotional problems, followed by practical problems, physiological problems, and family problems. Among 34 items included in the statistical analysis, the top five were worry (73.9%), depression (55.6%), pain (54.2%), economic problems (52.3%), and fear (49.7%). Married participants, those with higher education and higher monthly income had significantly lower psychological distress score compared with single patients, those with lower education, and lower monthly income (p < 0.05).ConclusionsPsychological distress is prevalent among elderly patients with cancer and, therefore, should be considered by the health professionals treating these patients.