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Kállay É, Medrea F, Müller-Fábián A, Dégi LC. Which type of fear of cancer progression contributes to the quality of life of Romanian cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic? Front Psychol 2023; 14:1122339. [PMID: 36935987 PMCID: PMC10019352 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1122339] [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: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Fear of cancer progression (FoP) is one of the most frequently reported unmet needs invoked by the majority of cancer patients, which may significantly impair the quality of life (QoL) of patients. The major objective of the present cross-sectional study was to investigate the specificities of the relationship between different dimensions and intensity of FoP and different aspects of patients' QoL during the COVID-19 pandemic in Romania. Methods A nationwide sample of 330 participants completed a survey, including measures of demographic characteristics, medical variables, QoL, and FoP. Multivariate General Linear and Hierarchical Regression Models were conducted in order to assess the relationship between variables. Result Our results indicate that less than a quarter of the sample experienced low, between 63 and 70% moderate, and 15% high levels of FoP. Our results also indicate that anxiety/worry related to the possibility of progression of the disease, and loss of independence produced significant differences with large effect sizes in all the dimensions of QoL. Discussion Our results indicate that besides affective reactions, the fear of cancer survivors to lose independence, not being able to attend to their own lives, seems to be a considerable threat, especially in the context of Romanian health system which has difficulties in offering qualitative psychosocial care for cancer patients. The idea that patients will have to rely on others and may not function well independently, not being able to attend to their own lives, seems to be a considerable threat, next to the experienced affective reactions per se.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éva Kállay
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Flavia Medrea
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrea Müller-Fábián
- Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - László Csaba Dégi
- Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- *Correspondence: László Csaba Dégi,
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2
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Lanzoni L, Brivio E, Oliveri S, Guiddi P, Chichua M, Mazzocco K, Pravettoni G. The Burden of the Pain: Adverse Mental Health Outcomes of COVID-19 in Women With and Without Cancer. Front Psychol 2022; 13:772128. [PMID: 35450337 PMCID: PMC9016181 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.772128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had a negative psychological impact on the population at scale, yet it is possible that vulnerable patient populations may experience a heavier burden with increased feelings of anxiety and distress. Cancer patients have to trade-off between the fear of exposing themselves to the virus and the need to continue life-saving medical procedures. The present study investigated the prevalence of generalized anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in a population of Italian cancer patients and healthy participants in the months following the COVID-19 outbreak. Using standardized measures of PTSS (impact of event scale revised; IES-R) and generalized anxiety (generalized anxiety scale; GAD-7), we found that patients experienced higher levels of adverse mental health outcomes. Several variables were found to negatively affect PTSS and anxiety in this population, including the younger age of respondents, having children, and the impossibility to attend regular medical check-ups. These findings stress the importance of maintaining a clear and regular communication with patients throughout future waves of the pandemic and ensure continuity of care in this vulnerable population. Furthermore, this study indicates the need to establish psychological interventions aimed at patients with cancer, targeting especially younger generations who are more likely to experience adverse psychological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucilla Lanzoni
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Pychological Science, Istituto Europeo d'Oncologia IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Brivio
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Pychological Science, Istituto Europeo d'Oncologia IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Serena Oliveri
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Pychological Science, Istituto Europeo d'Oncologia IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Guiddi
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Pychological Science, Istituto Europeo d'Oncologia IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariam Chichua
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Pychological Science, Istituto Europeo d'Oncologia IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ketti Mazzocco
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Pychological Science, Istituto Europeo d'Oncologia IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pravettoni
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Pychological Science, Istituto Europeo d'Oncologia IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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3
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Cincidda C, Pizzoli SFM, Pravettoni G. Remote Psychological Interventions for Fear of Cancer Recurrence: Scoping Review. JMIR Cancer 2022; 8:e29745. [PMID: 35014956 PMCID: PMC8790693 DOI: 10.2196/29745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with cancer and survivors may experience the fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), a preoccupation with the progression or recurrence of cancer. During the spread of COVID-19 in 2019, patients and survivors experienced increased levels of FCR. Hence, there is a greater need to identify effective evidence-based treatments to help people cope with FCR. Remotely delivered interventions might provide a valuable means to address FCR in patients with cancer. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to first discuss the available psychological interventions for FCR based on traditional cognitive behavioral therapies (CBTs) or contemporary CBTs, in particular, mindfulness and acceptance and commitment therapy, and then propose a possible approach based on the retrieved literature. METHODS We searched key electronic databases to identify studies that evaluated the effect of psychological interventions such as CBT on FCR among patients with cancer and survivors. RESULTS Current evidence suggests that face-to-face psychological interventions for FCR are feasible, acceptable, and efficacious for managing FCR. However, there are no specific data on the interventions that are most effective when delivered remotely. CONCLUSIONS CBT interventions can be efficacious in managing FCR, especially at posttreatment, regardless of whether it is delivered face to face, on the web, or using a blended approach. To date, no study has simultaneously compared the effectiveness of face-to-face, web-based, and blended interventions. On the basis of the retrieved evidence, we propose the hypothetical program of an intervention for FCR based on both traditional CBT and contemporary CBT, named Change Of Recurrence, which aims to improve the management of FCR in patients with cancer and survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clizia Cincidda
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS), Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Francesca Maria Pizzoli
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pravettoni
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS), Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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4
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Ongaro G, Cincidda C, Sebri V, Savioni L, Triberti S, Ferrucci R, Poletti B, Dell’Osso B, Pravettoni G. A 6-Month Follow-Up Study on Worry and Its Impact on Well-Being During the First Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic in an Italian Sample. Front Psychol 2021; 12:703214. [PMID: 34721150 PMCID: PMC8549434 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.703214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The Italian state adopted serious safety measures to manage the COVID-19 pandemic in the year 2020. The lockdown was associated with negative psychological consequences in healthy populations, mostly in terms of anxiety, distress, depression, and even traumatic symptoms. This longitudinal study aimed at briefly documenting the psychological impact among an Italian sample, in terms of worry and its impact on psychological well-being levels, of the first wave of COVID-19, taking into account the changes in the lockdown scenario. A three-time follow-up survey was administered to 177 subjects (Female: 78%, M age = 36.33), during (T0), at the end (T1), and 3 months after the end of the first lockdown (T2). Since the first wave of COVID-19, results showed a decrease in worry and the perception of virus diffusion's controllability over time while psychological well-being increased. Furthermore, factors such as personality traits (neuroticism and agreeableness) and dysfunctional coping strategies predicted increases in worry levels at the end of the lockdown and 3 months after in the Italian context. However, worry levels during and at the end of the lockdown did not predict well-being levels 3 months after the end of the lockdown. Based on these findings, mental health policymakers should design tailored interventions able to improve the perception of virus diffusion management, as well as address the psychological needs of Italian citizens and support it, including a plan for the follow-up evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Ongaro
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Clizia Cincidda
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Sebri
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Savioni
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Triberti
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Ferrucci
- Aldo Ravelli Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Clinic III, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca’ Granda Foundation Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Poletti
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Bernardo Dell’Osso
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco, Department of Mental Health, University of Milan, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
- CRC Aldo Ravelli, Milan, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Gabriella Pravettoni
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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5
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Monzani D, Marinucci M, Pancani L, Rusconi P, Mazzoni D, Pravettoni G. Thinking of future as an older individual increases perceived risks for age-related diseases but not for COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 57:96-106. [PMID: 34169518 PMCID: PMC8426922 DOI: 10.1002/ijop.12789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Actively thinking of one's future as an older individual could increase perceived risk and risk aversion. This could be particularly relevant for COVID‐19, if we consider the common representation of the risk of being infected by COVID‐19 as associated with being older. Increased perceived risk could bear consequences on the adoption of preventive behaviours. Thus, we investigated whether increasing the salience of individuals' future as an older adult would impact on their perceived risk for COVID‐19 and medical conditions varying for age‐relatedness. One hundred and forty‐four Italian adults (Mage = 27.72, range: 18–56) were randomly assigned to either a future as older adult thinking or control condition. Perceived risk for COVID‐19 and other strongly, and weakly age‐related medical conditions during the lifetime was measured. Results showed that thinking about the future as an older adult increased perceived risk for strongly and weakly age‐related diseases, but not for COVID‐19. The salience of the COVID‐19 outbreak may have raised the perceived risks in both experimental conditions, making the manipulation ineffective. In conclusion, manipulating future‐oriented thinking might be a successful communication strategy to increase people's perceived risk of common diseases, but it might not work for highly salient pathologies such as COVID‐19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Monzani
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Marinucci
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Pancani
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrice Rusconi
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.,Department of Cognitive Sciences, Psychology, Education and Cultural Studies (COSPECS), University of Messina, Italy
| | - Davide Mazzoni
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pravettoni
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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6
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Brivio E, Oliveri S, Guiddi P, Pravettoni G. Incidence of PTSD and generalized anxiety symptoms during the first wave of COVID-19 outbreak: an exploratory study of a large sample of the Italian population. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1158. [PMID: 34134663 PMCID: PMC8206880 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11168-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, between March and May 2020, in Italy, people were asked to shelter in place and most had to put their life on hold, while news of the spread of the virus constantly were broadcasted. The change in habits and the potential exposure to a dangerous virus can be categorized as a catastrophic event, which are usually traumatic and therefore have psychological consequences for the people involved. OBJECTIVE Assuming the COVID-19 pandemic as a possible traumatic event, this study aims to explore the contingent behavioural and psychological impact of COVID-19 spread and related lockdown on the Italian general population, through measuring anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptoms . METHODS An ad hoc-survey was set up for the this exploratory research, including the standardized Italian versions of the Impact of Event Scale Revised (IES-R) and the Generalized Anxiety Scale (GAD-7), and ad hoc items concerning behavioural reactions due to the pandemic spread and related mass quarantine. Participants were recruited across convenient web-based and mobile app channels using a snowball sampling technique. Data was collected from March 25th to May 1st, 2020. PARTICIPANTS One-thousand one hundred and ninety-five individuals (851 women and 342 men) completed 60% or more of the survey and were considered for analyses. Mean age was 40 years (s.d. = 14.948). Participants resided in 78 Italian provinces (out of 107 territorial divisions), with 25.7% residing in the Milan province and 9.2% from the Monza and Brianza provinces, closest to the epicentre of the Italian outbreak. RESULTS During the worst months of the first wave of the Pandemic, the Italian population suffered high level of distress (GAD-7 m = 6.89, s.d. = 5.08; IER-R mean score = 27.86, s.d. 17.46), respectively indicating mild presence of anxiety symptoms, and high levels of PTSD symptoms. Gender seems to be a discriminating variable with women scoring significantly higher than man, both for anxiety symptoms (H (1) = 82.91, p < .001) and all dimensions of PTSD symptoms (intrusion H (1) = 71.23, p < .001, avoidance H (1) = 61.28, p < .001), and hyperarousal (H (1) = 67.348, p < .001). People from Generations Y and Z show to be at higher risk of developing PTSD (V = .746, F (3,1041) =1017.19, p = .001) and GAD symptoms (F (3,1041) = 5.113, p = .002) than older generations. CONCLUSIONS Gender and generation appeared to be the most consistent risk factor for higher levels of generalized anxiety and PTSD symptoms in the current pandemic. Other variables - such as information seeking behaviours, parental and marriage status, chronic conditions - yielded less consistent evidence. Results indicate the need of including psychological interventions as a standard tool during the emergency management of a catastrophic events such as a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Brivio
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Pychological Science, Istituto Europeo d'Oncologia IRCCS, Viale Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milan, Italy.
| | - Serena Oliveri
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Pychological Science, Istituto Europeo d'Oncologia IRCCS, Viale Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Guiddi
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Pychological Science, Istituto Europeo d'Oncologia IRCCS, Viale Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pravettoni
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Pychological Science, Istituto Europeo d'Oncologia IRCCS, Viale Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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7
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Corti C, Crimini E, Tarantino P, Pravettoni G, Eggermont AMM, Delaloge S, Curigliano G. SARS-CoV-2 vaccines for cancer patients: a call to action. Eur J Cancer 2021; 148:316-327. [PMID: 33770576 PMCID: PMC7904467 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2021.01.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected more than 96 million people worldwide, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a pandemic in March 2020. Although an optimal medical treatment of COVID-19 remains uncertain, an unprecedented global effort to develop an effective vaccine hopes to restore pre-pandemic conditions. Since cancer patients as a group have been shown to be at a higher risk of severe COVID-19, the development of safe and effective vaccines is crucial. However, cancer patients may be underrepresented in ongoing phase 3 randomised clinical trials investigating COVID-19 vaccines. Therefore, we encourage stakeholders to provide real-time data about the characteristics of recruited participants, including clearly identifiable subgroups, like cancer patients, with sample sizes large enough to determine safety and efficacy. Moreover, we envisage a prompt implementation of suitable registries for pharmacovigilance reporting, in order to monitor the effects of COVID-19 vaccines and immunisation rates in patients with cancer. That said, data extrapolation from other vaccine trials (e.g. anti-influenza virus) showed a favourable safety and efficacy profile for cancer patients. On the basis of the evidence discussed, we believe that the benefits of the vaccination outweigh the risks. Consequently, healthcare authorities should prioritise vaccinations for cancer patients, with the time-point of administration agreed on a case-by-case basis. In this regard, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the European Society of Medical Oncology are advocating for cancer patients a high priority status, in the hope of attenuating the consequences of the pandemic in this particularly vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Corti
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Haematology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Edoardo Crimini
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Haematology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Tarantino
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Haematology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pravettoni
- Department of Oncology and Haematology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Haematology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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8
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Petrocchi S, Iannello P, Ongaro G, Antonietti A, Pravettoni G. The interplay between risk and protective factors during the initial height of the COVID-19 crisis in Italy: The role of risk aversion and intolerance of ambiguity on distress. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 41:437-448. [PMID: 33776380 PMCID: PMC7978462 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01601-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to test a model of relations to ascertain the determinants of distress caused by lockdown for COVID-19. It was hypothesized that the exposure to the COVID-19 increased distress directly and through the mediation of worry, health-related information seeking, and perception of the utility of the lockdown. It was also expected that higher levels of ambiguity intolerance corresponded to higher distress directly and through the mediation of worry, health information seeking behaviors, and perceived utility of the lockdown. Finally, it was expected that risk aversion positively influenced distress directly and through the increasing of worry, health-related information seeking behavior, and more positive perception of the utility of the lockdown The study was conducted in Italy during the mandatory lockdown for COVID-19 pandemic on 240 individuals (age range 18-76). Data recruitment was conducted via snowball sampling. COVID-19 exposure was positively associated with worry and health-related information seeking. Risk-aversion was positively associated with health-related information seeking and perceived utility of the lockdown to contain the spread of the virus. Worry and health-related information seeking were positively associated with distress, whereas the perceived utility of the lockdown was negatively associated with distress. Intolerance for the ambiguity was directly linked to distress with a positive sign. Findings suggest that risk aversion represents both a risk factor and a protective factor, based on what kind of variable mediates the relationship with distress, and that the intolerance to the ambiguity is a risk factor that busters distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Petrocchi
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti, 435, 20132 Milan, MI Italy
| | - P. Iannello
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - G. Ongaro
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti, 435, 20132 Milan, MI Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato–Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - A. Antonietti
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - G. Pravettoni
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti, 435, 20132 Milan, MI Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato–Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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9
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Sebri V, Cincidda C, Savioni L, Ongaro G, Pravettoni G. Worry during the initial height of the COVID-19 crisis in an Italian sample. The Journal of General Psychology 2021; 148:327-359. [PMID: 33522456 DOI: 10.1080/00221309.2021.1878485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In the earliest months of 2020, the COVID-19 emergency reached a pandemic status of international concern. In this situation, people tended to think more about current difficulties and their negative consequences due to the fear of infection and changed daily life during quarantine. The aim of this study was to explore the severity of worry in relation to individual characteristics and emotions during COVID-19 outbreak in the Italian people. Socio-demographic questions and standardized self-report questionnaires were administered online. Results highlighted a moderate level of worry, anxiety and distress. People with higher perceptions of COVID-19 severity exhibited higher levels of worry in contrast to those who perceived a greater control over the possibility of infection. Multiple regression analysis indicated that coping styles, emotion regulation strategies and personality traits significantly contributed to explain the variance in worry scores. Findings supported that cognitive reappraisal, emotion-focused coping and extraversion were protective factors for worry, while expressive suppression, dysfunctional and problem-focused coping, and neuroticism were related to high worry. However, neuroticism and dysfunctional coping were particularly important predictors of worry. This paper also considers possible psychological interventions that might be implemented in order to deal with mental health issues emanating from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Sebri
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Clizia Cincidda
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Savioni
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Ongaro
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pravettoni
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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10
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Zullo S, Ingravallo F, Crespi V, Cascioli M, D'Alessandro R, Gasperini M, Lalli C, Lugaresi A, Marogna M, Mori M, Pesci I, Pistoia F, Porteri C, Vedovello M, Veronese S, Pucci E, Solari A. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with neurological disorders: an urgent need to enhance the health care system's preparedness. Neurol Sci 2021; 42:799-804. [PMID: 33433758 PMCID: PMC7801877 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-020-04984-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Zullo
- Department of Legal Studies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Ingravallo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Vittorio Crespi
- Ethics Committee "Brianza", S. Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Marta Cascioli
- Hospice 'La Torre sul Colle', Azienda USL Umbria 2, Spoleto, Italy
| | - Roberto D'Alessandro
- Servizio di Epidemiologia e Biostatistica, Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcella Gasperini
- Rehabilitation Department, Marzana Hospital, AULSS 9 (VR), Marzana, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Lugaresi
- UOSI Riabilitazione Sclerosi Multipla, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maura Marogna
- SC Neurologia, Ospedale Villa Scassi ASL3, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Mori
- Dipartimento di filosofia e scienze dell'educazione, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Ilaria Pesci
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Ospedale di Vaio, Fidenza, PR, Italy
| | - Francesca Pistoia
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Corinna Porteri
- Bioethics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Alessandra Solari
- Unit of Neuroepidemiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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11
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De Berardinis R, Guiddi P, Ugolini S, Chu F, Pietrobon G, Pravettoni G, Mastrilli F, Chiocca S, Ansarin M, Tagliabue M. Coping With Oral Tongue Cancer and COVID-19 Infection. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:562502. [PMID: 34220559 PMCID: PMC8241927 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.562502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, April 19, 2021, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused about 140,886,773 confirmed cases and more than 3,000,000 deaths worldwide since the beginning of the pandemic. Oncology patients are usually frail due to the fear of prognosis, recurrence, and outcomes of treatments. Thus, coping with cancer is a complicated process that is necessary to overcome oncological challenge, even more in case of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease. This is a brief case report on a middle-aged man affected by advanced oral tongue cancer and COVID-19, describing his experience of cancer diagnosis, surgical treatment, and rehabilitation during the hospital quarantine for COVID-19. Besides the traumatic experience due to the functional alteration in breathing, eating, and speaking caused by major surgery and the concurrent facial disfigurement, our patient had to face a COVID-19 diagnosis, which implied hospital and social isolation. The aim of this perspective work is to focus on the role of the psychological support in the management of hospital distress related to COVID-19 psychophysical loneliness or alienation. In our experience, such support should anticipate patients' oncological surgery or treatment and should be implemented through telemedicine in case of isolation or after hospital discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita De Berardinis
- Division of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Guiddi
- Applied Research Unit for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Ugolini
- Division of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesco Chu
- Division of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pietrobon
- Division of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pravettoni
- Applied Research Unit for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Mastrilli
- Medical Administration, Chief Medical Officer, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milan, Italy
| | - Susanna Chiocca
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milan, Italy
| | - Mohssen Ansarin
- Division of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Tagliabue
- Division of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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12
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Lowe J, Rumbold B, Aoun SM. Memorialisation during COVID-19: implications for the bereaved, service providers and policy makers. Palliat Care Soc Pract 2020; 14:2632352420980456. [PMID: 33403359 PMCID: PMC7747101 DOI: 10.1177/2632352420980456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The aim of this rapid perspective review is to capture key changes to memorialisation practices resulting from social distancing rules implemented due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Method: As published peer-reviewed research pertaining to memorialisation practices during the COVID-19 pandemic is lacking, this rapid review includes academic literature from the pre-COVID-19 period and international media reports during the pandemic. Findings: Changes to memorialisation practices were under way before COVID-19, as consumer preferences shifted towards secularisation and personalisation of ritual and ceremony. However, several key changes to memorialisation practices connected with body preparation, funerals, cremation, burials and rituals have taken place as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Discussion: Although boundaries between public and private memorialisation practices were already blurred, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this process. Without access to public memorialisation, practices are increasingly private in nature. A number of implications are considered for the bereaved, service providers and policy makers. Conclusion: Forms of memorialisation and bereavement support emerging during the pandemic that blend the public and the private are likely to persist in a post-pandemic world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Lowe
- Public Health Palliative Care Unit, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Bruce Rumbold
- Public Health Palliative Care Unit, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Samar M Aoun
- Public Health Palliative Care Unit, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia
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