MA14.05 Social Isolation Increases Psychological Distress in Patients With NSCLC

Abstract

The Psychosocial Screen for Cancer (PSSCAN-R) questionnaire is a validated screening tool used to identify the psychosocial needs of patients with cancer. The questionnaire assesses patients’ perceived social supports and identifies patients at risk for developing psychological distress. The study goal was to examine patients with NSCLC who reported risk factors for social isolation and their risk for developing psychological distress. All patients with NSCLC referred to BC Cancer from 2011-2015 who completed a prospective PSSCAN-R questionnaire at the time of first visit were included in the study. Perceived social support questions include: if patients live alone, lost a life partner recently, have no help with IADLs, have no regular contact with friends and family or have no emotional support from others. Demographics were collected retrospectively. Chi-squared test and logistical regression were used to compare patient groups based on age, gender and perceived social support factors. The study cohort was comprised of 4428 patients who completed the PSSCAN-R questionnaire. Female 50%, patients ≥65 years 69%, live alone 29%, lost life partner 13%, no help with IADLs 9%, no regular contact 3% and no emotional support 5%. Female patients and patients younger than 65 are more at risk for developing moderate to severe anxiety and depression. Lack of perceived social support also contributes to the risk of developing psychological distress. In addition to developing gender and age-based resources for patients addressing their psychosocial needs, greater efforts in assessing patients’ perceived social supports and allocating community and institutional resources to isolated patients should also become an important part of the patients’ comprehensive and holistic care.