Abstract
Many patients with gynecological malignancies receive postoperative radiotherapy, which can lead to fear and sleep disorders. We aimed to identify the prevalence of and risk factors for sleep disorders. Sixty-two patients assigned to radiotherapy for gynecological malignancies were retrospectively evaluated. Seventeen characteristics were analyzed for associations with pre-radiotherapy sleep disorders including age, Karnofsky performance score, Charlson comorbidity index, history of additional malignancy, family history of gynecological cancer, distress score, emotional, physical or practical problems, tumor site/stage; chemotherapy, treatment volume, brachytherapy, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The prevalence of pre-radiotherapy sleep disorders was 46.8%. Sleep disorders were significantly associated with Charlson comorbidity index ≥3 (p=0.012), greater number of physical problems (p<0.0001), and advanced primary tumor stage (p=0.005). A trend was found for greater number of emotional problems (p=0.075). Pre-radiotherapy sleep disorders are common in patients with gynecological malignancies, particularly in those with specific risk factors. Patients should be offered early psychological support.
Highlights
In the studies of Savard et al, patients with gynecological malignancies had a high prevalence of insomnia compared to many other primary tumor types [4, 5]
Sleep disorders were significantly associated with a Charlson comorbidity index of ≥3 (p=0.012), greater number of physical problems (p
The occurrence of preradiotherapy sleep disorders was significantly associated with Charlson comorbidity index, number of physical problems, and primary tumor stage
Summary
In the studies of Savard et al, patients with gynecological malignancies had a high prevalence of insomnia compared to many other primary tumor types [4, 5]. In a study of patients irradiated for breast or prostate cancer, sleep disorders occurred mainly before or during the initial phase of treatment [6]. Very limited data are available regarding the prevalence of pre-treatment sleep disorders and corresponding risk factors in patients receiving postoperative radiotherapy for gynecological cancers. The present study aimed to identify risk factors for occurrence of pre-radiotherapy sleep disorders in these patients. These risk factors can contribute to the identification of patients who need early psychological support
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