Associations Between Distinct State Anxiety Profiles, Exposure to Stressful Life Events, Resilience, and Coping in Patients with Gynecologic Cancers Receiving Chemotherapy

Abstract

In a sample of patients with gynecologic cancers who are receiving chemotherapy, subgroups of patients with distinct state anxiety profiles were identified, and differences among the subgroups in demographic and clinical characteristics, stress, exposure to stressful life events, resilience, and coping behaviors were evaluated. Patients (n = 230) completed questionnaires six times over two chemotherapy cycles. State anxiety was measured using the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory. Subgroups of patients with distinct state anxiety profiles were identified using latent profile analysis. Differences among the classes were assessed using parametric and nonparametric tests. Three distinct state anxiety profiles were identified: low (55.2%), moderate (38.3%), and very high (6.5%). Compared with the low class, persons in the other two classes had lower functional status, more comorbidities, higher perceived stress, and lower resilience and were more likely to report a history of depression and to use disengagement coping strategies. Compared with the low class, the very high class was more likely to report childcare responsibilities; have a history of lung disease, stomach disease, or low back pain; have experienced physical neglect, serious money problems, a serious disaster, or foster care; or were a caregiver for someone with a severe disability. Nearly 45% of patients reported clinically meaningful levels of state anxiety that persisted over two cycles of chemotherapy. Experiences with a variety of stressors may be risk factors for higher levels of anxiety during chemotherapy. Clinicians need to perform comprehensive social histories and assess for anxiety in patients receiving chemotherapy.