COVID‐19 and patients with cancer: Investigating treatment impact, information sources, and COVID‐19–related knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Issue 4 (27th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ugas, Mohamed A.; Samoil, Diana; Avery, Lisa; Berlin, Alejandro; Giuliani, Meredith E.; Papadakos, Tina J.; Quartey, Naa Kwarley (Linda); Papadakos, Janet K.
• Is Part Of: Cancer. Volume 128:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 746
• Page End: 761
• Publication Date: 2021-10-27
• Subjects: cancer -- coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) -- health literacy; Cancer -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Cytopathology -- Periodicals; 616.99405
• DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33976
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0008-543X

Abstract

Abstract : Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has caused enormous strain on public health. Patients with cancer are particularly susceptible to the disease, and their treatment plans have been threatened by public health restrictions designed to contain the spread. Methods: This study examined the effects of the pandemic on cancer patients' psychology, knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning COVID‐19 as well as their perceptions of the impact of COVID‐19 on their cancer health care services. A survey was sent to 5800 patients at a cancer center in Toronto, Canada. Descriptive results were summarized. Qualitative feedback was coded and summarized. To examine for potential associations, regression models were tested for the outcomes of patient psychological well‐being, knowledge, attitudes, and practices, and they accounted for several demographic, health literacy, and disease variables. Results: A total of 1631 surveys were completed. Most patients saw their appointments shifted to virtual visits, and for a substantial minority, there was no change. A majority of the patients (62%) expressed fears about contracting the virus. There were no independent predictors of COVID‐19–related knowledge. Fears were more pronounced among patients who did not speak English and those who used social media more often. Female participants, those who scored higher on knowledge questions, and those who used cancer center materials were more likely to take preventative measures against infection. Conclusions: This study provides a snapshot of the state of cancer patient treatment and the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of patients between the first 2 waves of the pandemic. The study's results can inform our understanding of adaptation to conditions during and after the outbreak. Abstract : The COVID‐19 pandemic has put patients with cancer at threat not only from the disease itself but also from its effects on their treatments. This study examines how the pandemic has affected patients as well as their knowledge, attitudes, and practices with respect to the disease.