Prevalence and associated factors of psychological distress among young adult cancer patients in Japan. Issue 1 (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Okamura, Masako; Fujimori, Maiko; Goto, Shinichi; Obama, Kyoko; Kadowaki, Midori; Sato, Ayako; Hirayama, Takatoshi; Uchitomi, Yosuke
• Is Part Of: Palliative & supportive care. Volume 21:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 93
• Page End: 99
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: Adolescent and young adult -- Cancer -- Prevalence -- Psychological distress -- Survivorship; Palliative treatment -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 616.029
• DOI: 10.1017/S1478951521002054
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1478-9515

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients may be at high risk of experiencing psychological distress because their diagnosis came during a key time of consolidation of identity and social growth. This study aimed (1) to examine the prevalence of psychological distress among AYA cancer patients within a year of diagnosis to long-term survivors and (2) to describe socio-demographic and cancer-related characteristics associated with psychological distress. Methods: In a cross-sectional web-based survey, patients who scored 5 or more on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale were assessed for significant psychological distress. Logistic regression examined whether demographics, clinical variables, and social support were associated with psychological distress. Results: A total of 206 young adult cancer patients participated. The median age at the survey was 34.5 years (range: 22–39 years), and 87.4% were female. The prevalence of psychological distress was 55.3%. Psychological distress among patients diagnosed within a year and long-term survivors (≥10 years since diagnosis) was significantly higher than patients 1–4 years since diagnosis. Pain, decrease in income after a cancer diagnosis, experience of negative change in work/school after a cancer diagnosis and poor social support were significantly associated with psychological distress. Significance of results: Over half of young adult patients had significant psychological distress in Japan. Our findings potentially contribute to the intervention components for distress management among AYA cancer survivors.