HealthTree Foundation, Lehi, UT
Jenny Ahlstrom , Thomas H. Molina , Nathan W. Sweeney
Background: Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) are uniquely susceptible to viral and bacterial illnesses. In addition, MM and its treatments lead to immune deficiency, putting patients at a high risk for infection, including the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The emotional impact of COVID-19 on high-risk groups, such as MM patients, remains unclear. The purpose of this project was to understand psychosocial distress and unmet needs among patients with active MM during the acute and chronic phase of COVID-19 and its impact in the United States. Methods: We utilized the HealthTree Cure Hub (healthtree.org) and invited patients with active MM cancer or precursor conditions to participate in an online CancerSupportSource distress screening questionnaire by the Cancer Support Community. Participants were asked to rate their level of concern (Not at All to Very Seriously) on 12 items assessing physical, psychosocial, and practical needs during the acute and chronic phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. De-identified responses were aggregated and reviewed. Results: 1,079 MM patients analyzed during the acute phase of the pandemic (April 15, 2020, to June 8, 2020) and 246 were analyzed during the chronic phase (January 8, 2021, to February 12, 2021). The percent of patients responding moderately to very seriously concerned are reported here. While eating and nutrition increased 3% from acute (71%) to chronic (74%) phases, physical needs overall decreased 2%. Psychosocial needs (worrying about the future, family concerns, feeling irritable, sad, nervous, or lonely, and relationship concerns) decreased 4% between the two phases, despite the 2% increase in problems with your spouse/partner. Additionally, practical needs (health insurance or money worries) decreased 4% between the acute and chronic phases of the pandemic. Conclusions: Respondents to our survey maintain a concern for eating and nutrition during the acute and chronic phases of the pandemic. Between the three types of needs examined in this survey, physical needs had the smallest change over time. This information can inform patients and medical professionals of the type of distress experienced by patients and help investigators assess the needs of the patient community to enhance patient outcomes.
Concerns | Acute | Chronic |
---|---|---|
Eating and nutrition | 71% | 74% |
Sleep problems | 49% | 48% |
Pain and/or physical discomfort | 46% | 39% |
Worrying about the future and what lies ahead | 46% | 42% |
Family, children and/or friends | 44% | 35% |
Feeling too tired to do the things you need or want to do | 44% | 41% |
Feeling irritable | 37% | 32% |
Health insurance or money worries | 32% | 28% |
Feeling sad or depressed | 30% | 24% |
Feeling nervous or afraid | 25% | 22% |
Feeling lonely or isolated | 20% | 17% |
Problems in your relationship with your spouse/partner | 11% | 13% |
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