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Xu B, So WK, Choi KC, Huang Y, Liu M, Qiu L, Tan J, Tao H, Yan K, Yang F. Financial toxicity and its risk factors among patients with cancer in China: A nationwide multisite study. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2024; 11:100443. [PMID: 38665637 PMCID: PMC11039943 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2024.100443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective We assessed financial toxicity (FT) among Chinese patients with cancer and investigated associated risk factors guided by a multilevel conceptual framework. Methods Applying multistage stratified sampling, we selected six tertiary and six secondary hospitals across three economically diverse provinces in China. From February to October 2022, 1208 patients with cancer participated. FT was measured using the COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity (COST), with 28 potential risk factors identified at multilevel. Multiple regression analysis was used for risk factor identification. Results FT prevalence was 82.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 80.5%, 84.8%), with high FT (COST score ≤ 18.5) observed in 40.9% of participants (95% CI: 38.1%, 43.7%). Significant risk factors included younger age at cancer diagnosis, unmarried status, low annual household income, negative impact of cancer on participants' or family caregiver's work, advanced cancer stage, longer hospital stay for cancer treatment or treatment-related side effects, high perceived stress, poor emotional/informational support, lack of social medical insurance or having urban and rural resident basic medical insurance, lack of commercial medical insurance, tertiary hospital treatment, and inadequate cost discussions with healthcare providers (all P < 0.05). Conclusions Cancer-related FT is prevalent in China, contributing to disparities in cancer care access and health-related outcomes. The risk factors associated with cancer-related FT encompasses multilevel, including patient/family, provider/practice, and payer/policy levels. There is an urgent need for collective efforts by patients, healthcare providers, policymakers, and insurers to safeguard the financial security and well-being of individuals affected by cancer, promoting health equities in the realm of cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Xu
- School of Nursing, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Winnie K.W. So
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kai Chow Choi
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yu Huang
- The Nursing Department of the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Mei Liu
- The Infection Control Department of Xuzhou Cancer Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Lanxiang Qiu
- The Nursing Department of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jianghong Tan
- The Nursing Department of Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Zhuzhou, China
| | - Hua Tao
- The Oncology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Keli Yan
- The Internal Medicine Nursing Office, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fei Yang
- The Nursing Department of Nanjing Pukou People's Hospital, Nanjing, China
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Wang S, Wang J, Kang H, Zeng L, Liu G, Qiu Y, Wei M. Assessment of the prevalence and related factors of financial toxicity in cancer patients based on the COST scale: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2024; 68:102489. [PMID: 38118267 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2023.102489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The high cost of cancer treatment exposes patients to financial toxicity during treatment; however, no study has comprehensively analyzed the incidence of financial toxicity using a validated assessment tool. In this study, the objective was to ascertain the incidence of financial toxicity in cancer patients and the factors influencing it. METHODS Nine electronic databases were retrieved to collect cross-sectional studies reporting financial toxicity in cancer patients. A random effects meta-analysis was applied to yield the overall prevalence of financial toxicity. Subgroup analyses were conducted depending on the factors affecting financial toxicity. RESULTS In total, 30 studies met our inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of financial toxicity in cancer patients was 48% (95%CI:38%-58%, I2 = 99.4%, p < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, a higher prevalence of financial toxicity in patients aged <67 years (47%, 95%CI: 28%-66%, I2 = 97.5%, p < 0.001), female (46%, 95%CI:39%-53%, I2 = 94.9%,p < 0.001), lung cancer(57%, 95%CI:38%-75%, I2 = 96.9%, p < 0.001), developing countries (64%, 95%CI:55%-72%, I2 = 98.1%, p < 0.001), time of investigation following COVID-19 (53%, 95%CI:37%-69%, I2 = 99.4%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Financial toxicity is prevalent in cancer patients and is increasingly evident after COVID-19. Furthermore, the odds of financial toxicity are higher in patients who are female, younger, whose cancer type is lung cancer, and from developing countries. These findings emphasize the significance of evaluating financial toxicity in cancer patients after COVID-19, especially in developing countries. This may play a pivotal role in helping patients cope with financial toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuping Wang
- College of Nursing, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1166 Liutai Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu City, Sichuan province, 611137, China.
| | - Jialin Wang
- College of Nursing, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1166 Liutai Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu City, Sichuan province, 611137, China.
| | - Hua Kang
- College of Nursing, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1166 Liutai Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu City, Sichuan province, 611137, China.
| | - Li Zeng
- Sichuan Nursing Vocational College, Chengdu City, Sichuan province, China.
| | - Guiling Liu
- College of Nursing, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1166 Liutai Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu City, Sichuan province, 611137, China.
| | - Yinong Qiu
- College of Nursing, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1166 Liutai Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu City, Sichuan province, 611137, China.
| | - Meng Wei
- College of Nursing, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1166 Liutai Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu City, Sichuan province, 611137, China.
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Xu B, So WKW, Choi KC. Determination of a cut-off COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity (COST) for identifying cost-related treatment nonadherence and impaired health-related quality of life among Chinese patients with cancer. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:136. [PMID: 38279988 PMCID: PMC10821980 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08320-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to determine a cut-off for the simplified Chinese version of the COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity (COST) that could identify cost-related treatment nonadherence among Chinese patients with cancer. The study also sought to validate this cut-off score by using it to assess impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the same population. METHODS A secondary analysis was conducted using data from a cross-sectional survey of 1208 Chinese patients with cancer who were recruited from 12 hospitals in six cities across three provinces of the Chinese mainland. Sociodemographic information and data on financial toxicity (FT), cost-related treatment nonadherence, and HRQoL were used in the analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine the optimal cut-off for the simplified Chinese version of the COST. RESULTS The ROC analysis identified a COST cut-off of 18.5 for identifying cost-related treatment nonadherence, yielding a sensitivity of 76.5% and specificity of 71.4%. In the validation study, this cut-off score yielded a sensitivity of 64.2% and a specificity of 67.1% for identifying impaired HRQoL. CONCLUSION Early and dynamic assessment of cancer-related FT in routine clinical practice may play a crucial role in the early identification and management of FT. Accordingly, a COST cut-off of 18.5 was identified to indicate cost-related treatment nonadherence and impaired HRQoL in a population of patients with cancer from the Chinese mainland. This finding may facilitate the implementation of universal FT screening among patients with cancer in specific settings such as the Chinese mainland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Xu
- School of Nursing, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Winnie K W So
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Kai Chow Choi
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Cui Y, Lv J, Hu X, Zhu D. Health insurance as a moderator in the relationship between financial toxicity and medical cost-coping behaviors: Evidence from patients with lung cancer in China. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e6911. [PMID: 38168130 PMCID: PMC10807627 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigates the relationship between financial toxicity and medical cost-coping behaviors (MCCB) in Chinese patients with lung cancer, with a particular focus on the moderating role of health insurance. METHODS We surveyed 218 patients with lung cancer and assessed their Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) and self-reported MCCB. Patients were categorized into Urban Employee's Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) group and Urban-Rural Resident Basic Medical Insurance Scheme (URRBMI) groups by their medical insurance, and matched for socioeconomic, demographic, and disease characteristics via propensity score. RESULTS Significant different characteristics were noted between UEBMI patients and URRBMI patients. Patients with UEBMI had higher COST scores but lower levels of MCCB compared to URRBMI patients in the original dataset. After data matching, multivariate logit regression analysis showed that better financial toxicity was associated with lower levels of MCCB (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.99). Health insurance type did not have a direct association with cost-coping behaviors, but an interaction was observed between health insurance type and financial toxicity. Among patients with URRBMI, better financial toxicity was associated with lower levels of cost-coping behaviors (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.83-0.95). Patients with UEBMI had a lower probability of engaging in any cost-coping behaviors in situations of worse financial toxicity compared to patients with URRBMI. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that financial toxicity is correlated with MCCB in Chinese patients with lung cancer. The type of health insurance, specifically UEBMI and URRBMI, plays a moderating role in this relationship. Understanding these dynamics is essential for developing targeted interventions and policies to mitigate financial toxicity and improve patients' management of medical costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongchun Cui
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and InstituteShandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical SciencesJinanChina
| | - Jingjing Lv
- Expanded Program Immunization Division of Shandong Provincial Center for Disease Control and PreventionShandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Control and PreventionJinanChina
- School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Xiaoyu Hu
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and InstituteShandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical SciencesJinanChina
| | - Dawei Zhu
- China Center for Health Development StudiesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
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Su M, Liu S, Liu L, Wang F, Lao J, Sun X. Heterogeneity of financial toxicity and associated risk factors for older cancer survivors in China. iScience 2023; 26:107768. [PMID: 37731611 PMCID: PMC10507189 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In China, older cancer survivors may show heterogeneity in financial toxicity (FT). We aimed to identify FT profiles among older Chinese cancer survivors and examine the association between FT profiles and individual characteristics. We used a latent profile analysis to categorize participants and a multinomial logistic regression to examine the associations. We identified three distinct FT profiles: high, moderate, and low. Participants aged 65-69 years, with a monthly household income ≥ 5,000 CNY and a high school education or above were more likely to be classified into the moderate than high FT profile, a monthly household income ≥ 5,000 CNY increased the likelihood of being in the low FT profile and living alone negatively affected the odds of being in the low FT profile. The findings identified heterogeneity in FT among this population, may help identify high-risk groups, and may enable early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhu Su
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Siqi Liu
- Center of Health System and Policy, Institute of Medical Information & Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Li Liu
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Center of Health System and Policy, Institute of Medical Information & Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Jiahui Lao
- Center for Big Data Research in Health and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan Shandong, China
| | - Xiaojie Sun
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
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Towfighi P, Huffman SS, Bovill JD, Shan HD, Haffner ZK, Kim EY, Slamin R, Benedict CD, Evans KK. Financial toxicity of hidradenitis suppurativa: A single-center experience at an urban wound-care clinic. J Dermatol 2023; 50:1279-1286. [PMID: 37501527 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.16868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that confers a substantial financial burden to patients. The aim of the current study was to assess the patient-reported financial impact of HS. Patients presenting to a wound center between 2010 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, comorbidities, and disease characteristics were collected. The financial impact of HS was assessed via the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity - Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (COST-FACIT) version 2 and investigator-generated surveys. Of 199 patients contacted, 27.1% (n = 54) completed the survey. The majority were women (77.8%, n = 42) and had private health insurance (n = 30; 55.6%). Most patients (66.7%, n = 36) had Hurley stage III disease. Mean follow-up was 2.3 + 2.8 years. The overall COST score was 19.7 + 12.4, indicating grade 1 financial toxicity (FT). Grade 0 FT was reported in 31.5% (n = 17) of patients, grade 1 in 37.0% (n = 20), grade 2 in 27.8% (n = 15), and grade 3 in 3.7% (n = 2). The mean self-reported 12-month out-of-pocket cost and credit scores were $2250 + 3269.24 and 674.6 + 95.3, respectively. Patients with private insurance had lower FT compared with Medicaid and Medicare (p = 0.003). Higher out-of-pocket costs were positively correlated with FT (p = 0.042), while higher credit scores were negatively correlated (p = 0.003). Patients with HS lesions in three or more anatomic regions reported the highest FT (p = 0.031). HS is a debilitating skin disorder that affects the livelihood of patients in a multifaceted manner. These patient-reported outcomes highlight the impact that HS has on an individual's financial security, calling for further attention to this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parhom Towfighi
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Samuel S Huffman
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - John D Bovill
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Holly D Shan
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Zoë K Haffner
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Emily Y Kim
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Robert Slamin
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Carol D Benedict
- Department of Rheumatology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Karen K Evans
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
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Shao Q, Li Y, Lin L, Boardman M, Hamadi H, Zhao M. Demoralization syndrome and its impact factors among cancer patients in China. J Psychosoc Oncol 2023; 42:365-380. [PMID: 37609842 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2023.2249895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the status of demoralization syndrome among cancer patients and explore the key factors influencing demoralization syndrome. METHOD Cross-sectional study design of cancer patients in Xiamen, China. Patients completed the Mandarin version of the Perceived Social Support Scale, Patient-Reported Outcome Measures, The Anderson Symptom Inventory, and the Demoralization Scale. FINDINGS 187/199 (94%) of patients completed questionnaires. This study found that almost half of the cancer patients in Xiamen, China experience moderate to high levels of demoralization syndrome. Furthermore, the findings indicated that the family residence (Large Urban: b = 2.73, p = 0.02), average monthly income (b=-3.05, p = 0.03), source of income, religiousness (b = 1.37, p = 0.04) and financial toxicity (b = 3.3, p < 0.001), and social support (b = 1.02; p < 0.001) are the influencing factors of cancer patients' demoralization syndrome. CONCLUSION These findings emphasize the importance of addressing psychological distress and providing adequate social and financial support for cancer patients to maintain their morale and overall well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuzhi Shao
- Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yiming Li
- Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Liyu Lin
- Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Megan Boardman
- Department of Health Administration, Brooks College of Health (Building 39), University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Hanadi Hamadi
- Department of Health Administration, Brooks College of Health (Building 39), University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Mei Zhao
- Department of Health Administration, Brooks College of Health (Building 39), University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
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