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.
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).