0835 Cancer Patient-Caregiver Dyad Reports of Insomnia, Depression, Anxiety, Symptom Management and Healthcare Utilization

Abstract

Abstract Introduction More than 1.9 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in 2022; 30,210 of those were in Alabama. Both caregivers and patients report high levels of insomnia, depression, anxiety and stress that can be linked to a cancer diagnosis, cancer therapies, and the stressful cancer journey. Insomnia, depression, and anxiety may lead to poor symptom management at home and inappropriate (over or under) utilization of healthcare resources. However, these relationships in cancer patients and family caregivers need further exploration. This cross-sectional study is using a community-engaged research approach to gather data to support the development and testing of a model of these relationships and targeted interventions. Methods Caregiver-patient dyads are being recruited at a rural oncology clinic. Each dyad completes a role specific survey one-time during a clinic visit. Sleep is assessed with PSQI and ISI, Depression with PHQ-9, Anxiety with GAD-7, and Stress with PSS. Healthcare resource utilization is captured by self-report. Caregivers report patient symptoms and level of confidence with home symptom management. Patients report quality of life with FACT-G. Target enrollment is 50 dyads for the full study. Results To date we have enrolled 33 patient-caregiver dyads (66% of target). Sleep quality (PSQI) and insomnia levels (ISI) ranged from no difficulties to significant difficulties for both groups. Similar variances in depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and perceived stress (PSS) have been reported. On these measures, some dyad members appeared to mirror each other, whereas others reported vast differences. Caregivers who reported a greater number of patient symptoms tended to report lower levels of confidence in home symptom management. Approximately 50% of the participants have reported healthcare resource utilization, with a majority reporting little to no use of healthcare services. Indicating possible underutilization. Conclusion The cancer journey impacts both patients and caregivers. However, the impact is reflected differently in each member of the dyad. More research is needed to explore the individual and dyadic experiences along the cancer journey and to model the relationships to develop effective interventions for both the cancer patient and family caregiver. Support (if any) Project funding- Office of Research & Economic Development, University of Alabama.