Patient reported outcomes affecting quality of life in socioeconomically disadvantaged cancer patients

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to identify correlates of quality of life (QOL) for socioeconomically disadvantaged cancer patients receiving care in the “safety net” health system.

Design

This cross-sectional study used linear regressions to determine the effect of patient reported outcome measures (PRO) on QOL.

Sample/Methods: Cancer patients (n = 115) receiving drug therapy completed a series of PROs including: Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT-G), PROMIS (Anxiety, Depression, Fatigue, Pain Interference, and Physical Function), and the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity.

Findings

More than 60% of patients reported an annual income below $24,999. Forty-five percent of patients were either uninsured or county-funded. Depression, pain, and financial toxicity were found to be consistently significant correlates of QOL.

Implications: Cancer patients with existing financial strain have unique psychosocial stressors. This study provides insight into the relationship between these stressors, and the need for targeted screening and intervention that address such aspects of care.

Keywords:

• anxiety/depression
• financial
• minorities
• quality of life
• quantitative

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author [F.P.]. The data are not publicly available due to restrictions (e.g. their containing information that could compromise the privacy of research participants).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by CPRIT grant RR160093. Dr. Eckhardt is the recipient of a CPRIT Scholar Award.