Relationships among Type-D personality, symptoms and quality of life in patients with ovarian cancer receiving chemotherapy

Systematic Review of the Literature on Multiple Co-occurring Symptoms in Patients Receiving Treatment for Gynecologic Cancers

OBJECTIVE

Patients with gynecologic cancers experience a very high symptom burden that has a negative impact on their quality of life. This systematic review aims to identify the common co-occurring symptoms, the prevalence of common symptoms, common instruments used to measure symptoms, associated risk factors, and the symptom burden in patients with gynecologic cancers.

DATA SOURCES

A search of four databases (ie, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CINAHL) was done from January 1, 2012, through September 5, 2022. A qualitative synthesis of the extant literature was performed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines (PRISMA 2020).

CONCLUSION

A total of 118 studies met the prespecified inclusion criteria. Ninety-six symptoms were assessed across these studies. The top six symptoms and their grand mean prevalence rates were lack of energy (64.4%), fatigue (62.1%), abdominal pain (53.3%), depression (52.6%), concentration dysfunction (52.0%), and drowsiness (51.9%). Numerous methodologic challenges were evident across studies. Future research needs to develop a disease-specific symptom assessment measure, evaluate for risk factors associated with a higher symptom burden, and determine the impact of multiple symptoms on patient outcomes.

IMPLICATION FOR NURSING PRACTICE

The results are relevant for oncology clinicians to assess patients with gynecologic cancers for the presence of common symptoms and risk factors for higher symptom burden in the patients and to offer effective management interventions.

Type D Personality as a Marker of Poorer Quality of Life and Mood Status Disturbances in Patients with Skin Diseases: A Systematic Review

Type D personality is characterized by social inhibition and negative affectivity. Poorer outcomes and worse quality of life have been linked to type D personality in patients with a variety of non-dermatological diseases. Despite increasing evidence of the importance of type D personality in skin diseases, there are no reviews on this subject. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence regarding type D personality and skin diseases. A systematic search was performed using Medline and Web of Science databases from inception to 11 October 2022. Studies addressing the presence of type D personality, its associated factors, its impact on the outcomes of the disease or the quality of life of the patients were included in the systematic review. A total of 20 studies, including 3,124 participants, met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, psoriasis, melanoma, atopic dermatitis, chronic spontaneous urticaria and pruritic disorders were the main diseases assessed. Type D personality was more frequent among patients with skin diseases than among controls. Type D personality was found to be associated with poorer quality of life and higher rates of psychological comorbidities in patients with skin diseases. In conclusion, type D personality appears to be a marker of patients with increased risk of poorer quality of life and higher rates of psychological comorbidities. Screening for type D personality in specialized dermatology units might be beneficial to identify patients who are more psychologically vulnerable to the consequences of chronic skin diseases.

Relationships among type-D personality, fatigue, and quality of life in infertile women

PURPOSE

The objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of the type D personality and identify the relationship between type D personality, fatigue and quality of life (QoL) in infertile women.

METHODS

A total of 149 infertile women were recruited between October 2020 and January 2021. The participants were assessed through self-administered questionnaires using the type- D Personality Scale-14, Fatigue Severity Scale, and Fertility QoL Instrumental Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the independent t-test, chi-square test, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis using the SPSS/WIN 25.0 program for Windows.

RESULTS

Approximately 40.9% of infertile women were classified into the type D personality group, which showed significantly higher fatigue and lower QoL than the non-type D personality group. Fatigue was the most influential factor on the QoL of infertile women (β=-.23, p=.003), followed by the duration of infertility treatment (β=-.22, p=.003), type D personality (β=-.18, p=.025), and relationship with spouse (β=-.17, p=.024). These variables account for approximately 22% of the variance.

CONCLUSIONS

Intervention programs that consider fatigue, type D personality, relationship with spouses, and treatment duration may be useful for improving QoL in infertile women.

Type D Personality Is Associated with Poorer Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: A Cross-sectional Study

Type D personality (TDp) is a stable personality type that has been associated with poor quality of life in the general population and in patients with a variety of diseases, such as cancer, cardiac diseases, and dermatological diseases (e.g. psoriasis). To date, the potential association between chronic spontaneous urticaria and TDp has not been studied. The aim of this study is to analyse the impact of TDp on patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria, regarding mood disturbances, quality of life, sexuality, and sleep disturbances. A cross-sectional study including 75 patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria was performed. Data on socio- demographic variables and disease activity, quality of life, sleep, sexual dysfunction, anxiety, depression and TDp were collected using validated questionnaires. TDp was present in 28% (21/75) of the patients. Although TDp was not related to worse disease control, the presence of anxiety and depression was higher in patients with TDp. Regarding quality of life, TDp was associated with poorer quality of life and higher frequency of sleep disturbances. Prevalence of TDp in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria is similar to that in the general population. It is associated with mood status disturbances and worse quality of life regardless of disease severity, especially in the emotional and psychological domains. This group of patients could benefit from additional psychological support as a complement to their medical treatment.

The Burden on Cohabitants of Patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU) has been associated with patients’ poor quality of life. Despite being a chronic disease that could alter the quality of life of the people who live with patients, the potential burden on their cohabitants has not been studied to date. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between the patient’s quality of life, disease control, disease duration and family quality of life and the cohabitant’s mood disturbances, sexual dysfunction, type D personality and sleep quality. A cross-sectional study including patients suffering from CSU and their cohabitants was performed. Sociodemographic variables and disease activity, quality of life, sleep, sexual disfunction, anxiety, depression and type D personality were collected using validated questionnaires. Sixty-two subjects, 31 CSU patients and 31 cohabitants, were included in the study. Worse disease control and poorer quality of life in patients were associated with poorer family quality of life and higher rates of anxiety among the cohabitants (p < 0.05). Patients’ poor quality of life was associated with reduced sexual satisfaction among the cohabitants (p < 0.05). Long disease duration (>10 years) was associated with an increased prevalence of type D personality among the cohabitants (prevalence ratio: 2.59, CI 95% 1.03−7.21). CSU seems to have an impact on the quality of life of cohabitants, especially in terms of increased rates of anxiety, poorer quality of life and reduced sexual satisfaction. The prolonged course of the disease could be associated with the increased presence of non-adaptative personality traits.

Right ventricular dysfunction during chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer

Aim. To assess the right ventricle (RV) during chemotherapy (CT) in patients with breast cancer (BC).

Material and methods. The study included 40 women aged 35-72 years with BC who underwent anthracycline chemotherapy. The main group (n=40) included women with BC, examined at the first contact, 37 of whom were reexamined after 6 months. Control group (n=25) included women without BC.

Results. In the main group, the median transverse dimension and anterior wall thickness of the RV were significantly greater than in the control group (p<0,001). Early diastolic transtricuspid flow velocity (Et) after 6 months was lower than in the control group (p=0,003). The ratio of Et to late (At) diastolic transtricuspid flow (Et/At) in BC patients significantly decreased during the follow-up period (p<0,05) when compared with the control group and baseline values. Higher values of Tei index were noted in the main group compared to the control one (p<0,05). Using logistic regression for the Tei index, the model included radiation therapy, the total anthracycline dose, and negative affectivity score as follows: F(3,17)=12,548, p<0,001, R2=0,729. For the Et/At ratio, additional radiation therapy and heart rate were significant factors as follows: F(2,16)=12,548, p=0,005, R2=0,526.

Conclusion. Against the background of CT, deterioration of RV systolic (increase in Tei index and RV volume) and diastolic (decrease in Et and Et/At ratio) function was noted.

A descriptive systematic review of the relationship between personality traits and quality of life of women with non-metastatic breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Quality of life (QoL) is an important patient-reported outcome that has been studied extensively as an endpoint. There is a growing interest in factors that may influence QoL, such as personality. This descriptive systematic review examined the relationship between personality and QoL in women with non-metastatic breast cancer.  METHODS: On November 24th, 2020, with a update on March 7th, 2022, PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science and Embase were systematically searched for studies that assessed the direct relationship between personality traits and QoL among adult women diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer. The National Institutes of Health Study Quality Assessment Tool was used to assess the quality and risk of bias of the included studies. Three reviewers independently extracted data regarding objectives, population, setting, design, method, outcome measurements and key results. The results are descriptively reported.

RESULTS

Twelve studies (6 cohort studies and 6 cross-sectional studies) were included. Three studies were rated as poor, one study was rated as good, and the remaining studies were rated as moderate. There was a small to moderate effect of personality on QoL as correlation coefficients ranged from 0.10 to 0.77, and the explained variance ranged from 4 to 43%. The (strength of the) relationship depended on the personality trait and QoL domain that was measured and was most apparent for the personality traits 'optimism' and 'trait anxiety' on psychosocial QoL domains. The results for the personality traits (unmitigated) agency, agreeableness, conscientiousness, novelty seeking, and self-efficacy indicated a smaller but statistically significant correlation between these personality traits and QoL.

CONCLUSIONS

The results confirm that personality affects QoL in women with non-metastatic breast cancer and thus provides evidence that personality traits are indeed important influential factors of QoL. It is therefore strongly recommended for all future QoL research to measure personality traits and use these variables as predictive factors, as they are needed to accurately interpret QoL. Information regarding personality traits provide physicians and patients with an interpretation of low or deterioration of QoL, which could guide physicians to improve their patients' health outcomes and subsequently QoL using psycho-oncological support or treatment.

Psychosocial Factors and Psychological Characteristics of Personality of Patients with Chronic Diseases Using Artificial Intelligence Data Mining Technology and Wireless Network Cloud Service Platform

It was to explore the application value of health cloud service platform based on data mining algorithm and wireless network in the analysis of psychosocial factors and psychological characteristics of personality of patients with chronic diseases. Based on the demand analysis of cloud service platform for chronic diseases, a health cloud service platform including three modules was established: support layer, application layer, and interaction layer; and K-means algorithm and Apriori algorithm were used to mine and process data. The changes of pulse wave and EEG signal of epileptic seizures before and after processing by wireless network health cloud service platform were analyzed. 42 patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy were selected as the research subjects, and 40 volunteers with normal physical examination during the same period were selected as the control group. The differences in the basic clinical characteristics data, Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90), and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revision Short Scale for Chinese (EPQ-RSC) were compared between the two groups. It was found that the initial EEG signals of epileptic patients had noise pollution before and after the seizure, and the noise in the EEG signals was filtered out after digital technology processing in the cloud service platform. The maximum number of epileptic patients aged 18∼30 years was 17 (40.48%), and the mean scores of HAMD and HAMA scales in the epileptic group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.001). The total score of SCL-90, somatization, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, phobic anxiety, paranoid ideation, and psychosis in the epilepsy group were obviously higher than those in the control group (P < 0.01). The mean value of EPQ-RSC and neuroticism (N) was clearly higher (P < 0.05), the mean value of extroversion (E) was significantly lower (P < 0.01), and the mean value of Lie Scale was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the epileptic group in contrast with those in the control group. It indicates that the cloud service platform for chronic diseases based on artificial intelligence data mining technology and wireless network has potential application value. Epilepsy patients with chronic diseases should be paid more attention to their psychosocial factors and psychological characteristics of personality in the treatment process.

What factors shape quality of life for women affected by gynaecological cancer in South, South East and East Asian countries? A critical review

Background

Gynaecological cancers are among the most prevalent cancers worldwide, with profound effects on the lives of women and their families. In this critical review, we explore the impacts of these cancers on quality of life (QOL) of women in Asian countries, and highlight areas for future inquiry.

Methods

A systematic search of the literature was conducted in six electronic databases: Web of Science, Scopus, Global Health (CAB Direct), PsycINFO (Ovid), EBMR (Ovid), and Medline (Ovid). Screening resulted in the inclusion of 53 relevant articles reporting on 48 studies.

Results

Most studies were conducted in high and upper-middle income countries in East Asia and used quantitative approaches. Women had predominantly been diagnosed with cervical or ovarian cancer, and most had completed treatment. Four key interrelated domains emerged as most relevant in shaping QOL of women affected by gynaecological cancer: support, including identified needs, sources and forms; mental health, covering psychological distress associated with cancer, risk and protective factors, and coping strategies; sexual function and sexuality, focused on physiological, emotional and relational changes caused by gynaecological cancers and treatments, and the impacts of these on women’s identities; and physical health, covering the physical conditions associated with gynaecological cancers and their impacts on women’s daily activities.

Conclusion

QOL of women affected by gynaecological cancer is shaped by their mental and physical health, support, and changes in sexual function and sexuality. The limited number of studies from lower- and middle-income countries in South and Southeast Asia highlights important knowledge gaps requiring future research.

Multiple factors shape the quality of life of women affected by gynaecological cancers in Asian countries as elsewhere. We identified 53 articles reporting on 48 studies, most conducted in high- and upper-middle income East Asian countries, with much less attention to women in lower income countries in South and Southeast Asia. Most studies used quantitative research methods to gain an understanding of the impact on women diagnosed with cervical or ovarian cancer who had completed treatment. Women’s quality of life was shaped by their mental and physical health, their support needs, and the changes they experienced in sexual function and sexuality.

Association between Type-D Personality and Affective (Anxiety, Depression, Post-traumatic Stress) Symptoms and Maladaptive Coping in Breast Cancer Patients: A Longitudinal Study

Background:

Type-D (distressed) personality has not been prospectively explored for its association with psychosocial distress symptoms in breast cancer patients.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that Type-D personality can be associated with psychosocial distress variables in cancer over a 2-point period (6 month-follow-up).

Aims:

The aim of the study was to analyze the role of Type-D personality in relation to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress symptoms, general distress, and maladaptive coping among cancer patients.

Methods:

145 breast cancer patients were assessed within 6 months from diagnosis (T0) and again 6 months later (T1). The Type-D personality Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Depression subscale (HAD-D), the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18) Anxiety subscale, the Distress Thermometer (DT), the Post-traumatic Symptoms (PTS) Impact of Event Scale (IES), and the Mini Mental Adjustment to Cancer (Mini-MAC) Anxious Preoccupation and Hopelessness scales were individually administered at T0 and T1.

Results:

One-quarter of cancer patients met the criteria for Type-D personality, which was stable over the follow-up time. The two main constructs of Type-D personality, namely social inhibition (SI) and negative affectivity (NA), were related to anxiety, depression, PTS, BSI-general distress and maladaptive coping (Mini-MAC anxious preoccupation and hopelessness). In regression analysis, Type-D SI was the most significant factor associated with the above-mentioned psychosocial variables, both at T0 and T1.

Conclusion:

Likewise other medical disorders (especially cardiology), Type-D personality has been confirmed to be a construct significantly related to psychosocial distress conditions and maladaptive coping that are usually part of assessment and intervention in cancer care. More attention to personality issues is important in oncology.

Type-D personality and quality of life in patients with primary brain tumours

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influence of type-D personality on quality of life (QoL) in patients with primary brain tumours.

METHODS

We performed descriptive cross-sectional study between July 2018 and March 2019. A convenience sample of 293 patients was recruited from an outpatient neurosurgery clinic.

RESULTS

Type-D personality was identified in 34.1% of subjects. Type-D patients had poorer QoL and experienced more severe symptoms and interference with life. Poor QoL was associated with lower education, no spouse and lower family income. Symptoms were the most significant factor affecting QoL, followed by type-D personality, income and education.

CONCLUSION

Symptoms, type-D personality and demographic factors should be considered when assessing QoL in patients with primary brain tumours. Interventions that reflect these characteristics, including type-D personality, may help improve QoL for patients with primary brain tumours.

The association of depressive symptoms, personality traits, and sociodemographic factors with health-related quality of life and quality of life in patients with advanced-stage lung cancer: an observational multi-center cohort study

Background

Identification of patient-related factors associated with Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and Quality of Life (QoL) at the start of treatment may identify patients who are prone to a decrease in HRQoL and/or QoL resulting from chemotherapy. Identification of these factors may offer opportunities to enhance patient care during treatment by adapting communication strategies and directing medical and psychological interventions. The aim was to examine the association of sociodemographic factors, personality traits, and depressive symptoms with HRQoL and QoL in patients with advanced-stage lung cancer at the start of chemotherapy.

Methods

Patients (n = 151) completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (trait anxiety subscale), the Neuroticism-Extraversion-Openness-Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D), the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). Simple linear regression analyses were performed to select HRQoL and QoL associated factors (a P ≤ 0.10 was used to prevent non-identification of important factors) followed by multiple linear regression analyses (P ≤ 0.05).

Results

In the multiple regression analyses, CES-D score (β = − 0.63 to − 0.53; P-values < 0.001) was most often associated with the WHOQOL-BREF domains and general facet, whereas CES-D score (β = − 0.67 to − 0.40; P-values < 0.001) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (β = − 0.30 to − 0.30; P-values < 0.001) were most often associated with the scales of the EORTC QLQ-C30. Personality traits were not related with HRQoL or QoL except for trait anxiety (Role functioning: β = 0.30; P = 0.02, Environment: β = − 0.39; P = 0.007) and conscientiousness (Physical health: β = 0.20; P-value < 0.04).

Conclusions

Higher scores on depressive symptoms and ECOG performance status were related to lower HRQoL and QoL in patients with advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer. Supportive care interventions aimed at improvement of depressive symptoms and performance score may facilitate an increase of HRQoL and/or QoL during treatment.

Type D personality and life event stress: the mediating effects of social support and negative social relationships

Background and Objective: Type D personality has been associated with increased perceptions of stress. As Type D individuals have been noted to report lower social support and greater perceptions of negativity in social interactions, this study examined if the association between Type D personality and life events stress was mediated by these social relationships. Design: A cross-sectional design. Methods: Undergraduate students (N = 197) completed questionnaires assessing Type D personality, social support, negative social relationships, and life events stress. Results: Unadjusted analyses revealed that Type D individuals perceived their life events to be significantly more stressful than non-Type D individuals. Type D individuals also reported increased perceptions of negative social relationships and lower social support. Finally, the association between Type D personality and life events stress was mediated by perceptions of negative social relationships. However, when controlling for the main effects of negative affectivity and social inhibition, Type D was not significantly associated with social relationship or life events variables. Further, effects appeared to be primarily driven by negative affectivity. Conclusion: These results support recent findings in the Type D literature that have identified null effects of Type D when controlling for negative affectivity.