Clinical and demographic variables of young adult (YA) patients referred to inpatient supportive care.

Abstract

168 Background: Literature suggests that YA cancer patients have unique psychosocial issues and more emotional distress compared to older aged patients. Our study aimed to evaluate clinical and demographic factors of YA cancer patients that may impact physical and psychosocial symptom expression. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on randomly selected patients seen during 2013-2015 of 3 age groups: 18-39 (YA), 40-64, and 65 and older on demographic, medical, psychosocial history, Morphine Equivalent Daily Dose (MEDD), Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scare (ESAS) scores, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scores which are completed at time of initial consultation with the supportive care inpatient mobile team. Results: 896 (YA = 297, 40-64 cohort = 300, 65 and older = 299) patients were reviewed. YA cohort was associated with being female (n = 179 (60%), p = 0.03), more frequently non-white (Black and Hispanic = 124 (42%), p < 0.00), higher ECOG scores (ECOG 0-2 = 83(39%), p < 0.00) more psychiatric history (n = 95(32%), p = 0.00) and worse ESAS sleep scores (median = 6, p = 0.02). The YA cohort also had higher pain expression than the 65 and older cohort (p = .02). The YA group was more likely to have children younger than 18 years old (n = 171(58%), p < 0.00). Patients with children less than 18 years of age reported higher pain expression (median = 6, p = .05), sleep (median = 6, p = 0.01), and financial distress (median = 2, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Contrary to other findings, YA cancer patients did not report higher symptoms or distress when compared to older age cohorts, with the exception of higher insomnia compared to other age cohorts and higher pain expression than the oldest age cohort. YA with young children reported higher level of pain, sleep and financial distress. Our findings suggest that the YA population may benefit from specialized psychosocial services to address their unique social needs, particularly to address concerns related to being parents of young children.