ASSESSMENT OF THE LEVEL OF DISTRESS AND PRACTICAL AND FAMILY PROBLEMS IN PATIENTS WITH ONCOLOGICAL DISEASES

Abstract

Purpose: To study and analyze the relationship between patients’ practical and family problems and the level of distress. Material/Methods: A “Distress Thermometer” was used to collect information from the patient to assess the degree of distress. Inclusion and exclusion criteria for the patients were applied. Methods for statistical processing of the data and interpretation of the results were used. Results: The study included 225 patients with an average age of 59.6 (+/- 11.4 years). Women are a little over half, 56% (n=126) of the total number of those examined. All patients have a histologically confirmed oncological diagnosis in stage II, III and IV. It was found that there was no relationship between the level of distress and childcare (p= 0.93). In a more in-depth analysis of the results, a significantly higher level of distress was found in patients who encountered difficulties with transportation to the medical facility (p=0.01). A significantly higher level of distress was reported in patients who marked the relationship with their partner as problematic (n=13, 5.8%) (4.7±3.9). Conclusion: The diagnosis and treatment of cancer have more than just a physical impact. Health care should be comprehensive based on the needs of the patient. It is also necessary to consider the psycho-social and emotional support provided by medical professionals.