1
|
Bellizzi KM, Fritzson E, Ligus K, Park CL. Social Support Buffers the Effect of Social Deprivation on Comorbidity Burden in Adults with Cancer. Ann Behav Med 2024; 58:701-706. [PMID: 38935875 PMCID: PMC11404512 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaae035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adults with cancer have higher rates of comorbidity compared to those without cancer, with excess burden in people from lower socioeconomic status (SES). Social deprivation, based on geographic indices, broadens the focus of SES to include the importance of "place" and its association with health. Further, social support is a modifiable resource found to have direct and indirect effects on health in adults with cancer, with less known about its impact on comorbidity. PURPOSE We prospectively examined associations between social deprivation and comorbidity burden and the potential buffering role of social support. METHODS Our longitudinal sample of 420 adults (Mage = 59.6, SD = 11.6; 75% Non-Hispanic White) diagnosed with cancer completed measures at baseline (~6 months post-diagnosis) and four subsequent 3-month intervals for 1 year. RESULTS Adjusting for age, cancer type, and race/ethnicity, we found a statistically significant interaction between social support and the effect of social deprivation on comorbidity burden (β = -0.11, p = 0.012), such that greater social support buffered the negative effect of social deprivation on comorbidity burden. CONCLUSION Implementing routine screening for social deprivation in cancer care settings can help identify patients at risk of excess comorbidity burden. Clinician recognition of these findings could trigger a referral to social support resources for individuals high on social deprivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keith M Bellizzi
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Emily Fritzson
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Kaleigh Ligus
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Crystal L Park
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kempf E, Chatellier G. [Social deprivation: A key risk marker in oncology, even in rich countries]. Bull Cancer 2024; 111:625-627. [PMID: 38821773 DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2024.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Kempf
- Département d'oncologie médicale, GHU Henri-Mondor, université Paris-Est Créteil, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France.
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Macias Alonso AK, Hirt J, Woelfle T, Janiaud P, Hemkens LG. Definitions of digital biomarkers: a systematic mapping of the biomedical literature. BMJ Health Care Inform 2024; 31:e100914. [PMID: 38589213 PMCID: PMC11015196 DOI: 10.1136/bmjhci-2023-100914] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Technological devices such as smartphones, wearables and virtual assistants enable health data collection, serving as digital alternatives to conventional biomarkers. We aimed to provide a systematic overview of emerging literature on 'digital biomarkers,' covering definitions, features and citations in biomedical research. METHODS We analysed all articles in PubMed that used 'digital biomarker(s)' in title or abstract, considering any study involving humans and any review, editorial, perspective or opinion-based articles up to 8 March 2023. We systematically extracted characteristics of publications and research studies, and any definitions and features of 'digital biomarkers' mentioned. We described the most influential literature on digital biomarkers and their definitions using thematic categorisations of definitions considering the Food and Drug Administration Biomarkers, EndpointS and other Tools framework (ie, data type, data collection method, purpose of biomarker), analysing structural similarity of definitions by performing text and citation analyses. RESULTS We identified 415 articles using 'digital biomarker' between 2014 and 2023 (median 2021). The majority (283 articles; 68%) were primary research. Notably, 287 articles (69%) did not provide a definition of digital biomarkers. Among the 128 articles with definitions, there were 127 different ones. Of these, 78 considered data collection, 56 data type, 50 purpose and 23 included all three components. Those 128 articles with a definition had a median of 6 citations, with the top 10 each presenting distinct definitions. CONCLUSIONS The definitions of digital biomarkers vary significantly, indicating a lack of consensus in this emerging field. Our overview highlights key defining characteristics, which could guide the development of a more harmonised accepted definition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Karen Macias Alonso
- Department of Applied Natural Sciences, Technische Hochschule Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Pragmatic Evidence Lab, Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Julian Hirt
- Pragmatic Evidence Lab, Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Health, Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Tim Woelfle
- Pragmatic Evidence Lab, Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology and MS Center, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Perrine Janiaud
- Pragmatic Evidence Lab, Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lars G Hemkens
- Pragmatic Evidence Lab, Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Meta-Research Innovation Center at Stanford (METRICS), Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Meta-Research Innovation Center Berlin (METRIC-B), Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang Y, Li J, Zhang Y, Chen C, Guan C, Zhou L, Zhang S, Chen X, Hu X. Mediating effect of social support between caregiver burden and quality of life among family caregivers of cancer patients in palliative care units. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2024; 68:102509. [PMID: 38310666 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2024.102509] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify factors influencing the quality of life of family caregivers with terminal cancer in Chinese palliative wards and to test whether social support mediates the relationship between caregiver burden and caregiver quality of life. METHODS A cross-sectional study design was used. Sociodemographic data were collected and the Quality of Life Scale, the Caregiver Burden Scale, and the Social Support Rating Scale were administered to Chinese family caregivers from December 2021 to December 2022. The factors influencing quality of life and caregiver burden were examined using the Mann‒Whitney U test and the Kruskal‒Wallis H test. The mediating role of social support was assessed using the bootstrap method. RESULTS Family caregivers' quality of life in Chinese terminal cancer palliative units was related to caregivers' daily care time, the caregiver-patient relationship, and patient age. Caregiver quality of life was negatively associated with caregiver burden and positively associated with social support. In addition, social support mediated the relationship between caregiver burden and caregiver quality of life. CONCLUSION Social support mediated the impact of caregiver burden on caregiver quality of life. Family, society, and palliative care institutions should be integrated to take actions to reduce family caregiver burden, increase social support, and transfer the positive aspects of specific cultural contexts to the culture of palliative care in general to collaboratively cope with various problems related to end-stage cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- Department of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chendu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Juejin Li
- Department of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chendu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yalin Zhang
- Department of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chendu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Chongcheng Chen
- Department of Nephrology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chendu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Chang Guan
- Department of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chendu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Department of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chendu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Department of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chendu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xiaoli Chen
- Department of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chendu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xiaolin Hu
- Department of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chendu, Sichuan, PR China; Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, City of Future Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Biskupiak Z, Ha VV, Rohaj A, Bulaj G. Digital Therapeutics for Improving Effectiveness of Pharmaceutical Drugs and Biological Products: Preclinical and Clinical Studies Supporting Development of Drug + Digital Combination Therapies for Chronic Diseases. J Clin Med 2024; 13:403. [PMID: 38256537 PMCID: PMC10816409 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Limitations of pharmaceutical drugs and biologics for chronic diseases (e.g., medication non-adherence, adverse effects, toxicity, or inadequate efficacy) can be mitigated by mobile medical apps, known as digital therapeutics (DTx). Authorization of adjunct DTx by the US Food and Drug Administration and draft guidelines on "prescription drug use-related software" illustrate opportunities to create drug + digital combination therapies, ultimately leading towards drug-device combination products (DTx has a status of medical devices). Digital interventions (mobile, web-based, virtual reality, and video game applications) demonstrate clinically meaningful benefits for people living with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, depression, and anxiety. In the respective animal disease models, preclinical studies on environmental enrichment and other non-pharmacological modalities (physical activity, social interactions, learning, and music) as surrogates for DTx "active ingredients" also show improved outcomes. In this narrative review, we discuss how drug + digital combination therapies can impact translational research, drug discovery and development, generic drug repurposing, and gene therapies. Market-driven incentives to create drug-device combination products are illustrated by Humira® (adalimumab) facing a "patent-cliff" competition with cheaper and more effective biosimilars seamlessly integrated with DTx. In conclusion, pharma and biotech companies, patients, and healthcare professionals will benefit from accelerating integration of digital interventions with pharmacotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zack Biskupiak
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Victor Vinh Ha
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Aarushi Rohaj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- The Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84113, USA
| | - Grzegorz Bulaj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Melhem SJ, Kayyali R. Multilayer framework for digital multicomponent platform design for colorectal survivors and carers: a qualitative study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1272344. [PMID: 38115846 PMCID: PMC10728820 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1272344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The advent of eHealth services offers the potential to support colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors and their informal caregivers (ICs), yet research into user needs and design requirements remains scant. This exploratory qualitative study addresses this knowledge gap by focusing on the development of a Digital Multicomponent Platform (DMP) designed to provide comprehensive support to these populations. Aims The objective of this research is to use qualitative methodologies to identify key user needs and design requirements for eHealth services. It seeks to propose and apply a multi-tiered framework for creating a DMP that encapsulates the needs of CRC survivors and their ICs. Methods Skype-based focus groups (FGs) were utilized to gather qualitative data from CRC survivors and ICs. This approach served to elicit crucial themes integral to the design of the DMP. A multi-tiered framework was subsequently developed to integrate user-centered design (UCD) principles and requirements with predetermined outcomes, eHealth services, and IT infrastructure. Results The first stage of the analysis identified five crucial themes: (1) the importance of healthcare system interaction via eHealth, (2) interaction between healthcare providers and peers, (3) lifestyle and wellness considerations, (4) platform content and user interface requirements, (5) caregiver support. The second stage analysis applied the multi-tiered framework, to determine the DMP that was conceptualized from these themes, underscores the significance of personalized content, caregiver involvement, and integration with electronic health records (EHRs). Conclusion The study offers novel insights into the design and development of digital supportive care interventions for CRC survivors and their caregivers. The results highlight the utility of user-centered design principles, the significance of personalized content and caregiver involvement, and the need for a unified health data platform that promotes communication among patients, healthcare providers, and peers. This multi-tiered framework could serve as a prototype for future eHealth service designs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samar J. Melhem
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University London, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jabir NR, Rehman MT, AlAjmi MF, Ahmed BA, Tabrez S. Prioritization of bioactive compounds envisaging yohimbine as a multi targeted anticancer agent: insight from molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:10463-10477. [PMID: 36533328 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2158137] [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: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Recently, multi-targeted drugs have attracted much attention in cancer therapy where several therapeutic proteins are targeted by a single agent. Using the published scientific literature, we selected sixteen well-known anticancer targets and seven potential phytobioactive chemicals to find a multitargeted compound by screening through molecular docking. The feasible protein-ligand interaction was further predicted by protein-ligand interaction analysis and molecular dynamic simulation. The phytochemical yohimbine exhibited the lowest docking score in the range of -8.3 to -10.0 kcal/mol over other ligands with all the studied protein targets. Molecular interaction data also revealed the feasible binding of yohimbine with all targets. Moreover, the molecular simulation data also confirmed the stability of protein-ligand complexes with three most scored targets viz. ERK2, PARP1 and PIK3α. Based on our results, yohimbine seems to be the most potent compound out of those selected compounds and can be considered as effective lead molecule against the studied target proteins.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nasimudeen R Jabir
- Department of Biochemistry, Centre for Research and Development, PRIST University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Md Tabish Rehman
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed F AlAjmi
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bakrudeen Ali Ahmed
- Department of Biochemistry, Centre for Research and Development, PRIST University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Shams Tabrez
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Barbos V, Feciche B, Bratosin F, Tummala D, Shetty USA, Latcu S, Croitor A, Dema V, Bardan R, Cumpanas AA. Pandemic Stressors and Adaptive Responses: A Longitudinal Analysis of the Quality of Life and Psychosocial Dynamics among Urothelial Cancer Patients. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1547. [PMID: 38003862 PMCID: PMC10672688 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13111547] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has had a profound influence on different sectors of society, including health. This study hypothesized a significant impact of the pandemic on the quality of life and psychosocial well-being of urothelial cancer patients, specifically anticipating a decrease in anxiety and depression scores as the pandemic progressed. The primary objectives were to assess longitudinal changes in quality of life indexes, evaluate Healthcare Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) score trends over three years (2020-2022), and identify any correlational patterns between the progression of the pandemic and anxiety, depression, and stress levels among this cohort. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) 1 and Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) stage 1 bladder cancer patients from the Timis County Emergency Clinical Hospital in Romania. Sixty patients were evaluated each year from 2020 to 2022, utilizing a detailed selection process involving the review of both the hospital database and paper records. Key data included demographic information, medical history, and responses to the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Short Form (SF-36), HADS, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) questionnaires. A total of 163 completed questionnaires were analyzed, providing insight into various aspects of patients' experiences during the pandemic. Notably, the mean hospitalization days ranged from 3.6 ± 2.1 days in 2020 to 4.0 ± 2.4 days in 2022 (p = 0.663). Concerns that current symptoms might be pandemic-related spiked to 63.5% in 2021, but reduced to 50.9% in 2022, with this fluctuation being significant (p = 0.026). The perception of decreased quality of or accessibility to medical care was significant over the years, with a decline to 52.7% in 2022 (p = 0.033). Quality of life assessments demonstrated an upward trend, from an average score of 55.9 ± 8.9 in 2020 to 59.3 ± 8.8 in 2022 (p = 0.049). Interestingly, anxiety levels, as indicated by the HADS survey, revealed a significant decline from a score of 7.8 in 2020 to 6.5 in 2022 (p = 0.008). On the other hand, GAD-7 scores displayed a downward trend over the years, potentially indicative of developed coping strategies (p = 0.034). This study provides a comprehensive insight into the fluctuating dynamics of psychosocial factors and quality of life among urothelial cancer patients during the pandemic years. It underscores a potential adaptive response, as evidenced by the decrease in anxiety levels and an upward trend in the quality of life scores over the period. These findings highlight the resilience and adaptability of this patient cohort amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, potentially guiding future interventions and supports in similar health crises.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vlad Barbos
- Department XV, Discipline of Urology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (V.B.); (S.L.); (A.C.); (V.D.); (R.B.); (A.A.C.)
- Doctoral School, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, E. Murgu Square, Nr. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Bogdan Feciche
- Department of Urology, Emergency County Hospital Oradea, Strada Gheorghe Doja 65, 410169 Oradea, Romania
| | - Felix Bratosin
- Doctoral School, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, E. Murgu Square, Nr. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Department XIII, Discipline of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, E. Murgu Square, Nr. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Durganjali Tummala
- Department of General Medicine, K.S. Hegde Medical Academy, Mangaluru 575018, India;
| | | | - Silviu Latcu
- Department XV, Discipline of Urology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (V.B.); (S.L.); (A.C.); (V.D.); (R.B.); (A.A.C.)
| | - Alexei Croitor
- Department XV, Discipline of Urology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (V.B.); (S.L.); (A.C.); (V.D.); (R.B.); (A.A.C.)
| | - Vlad Dema
- Department XV, Discipline of Urology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (V.B.); (S.L.); (A.C.); (V.D.); (R.B.); (A.A.C.)
| | - Razvan Bardan
- Department XV, Discipline of Urology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (V.B.); (S.L.); (A.C.); (V.D.); (R.B.); (A.A.C.)
| | - Alin Adrian Cumpanas
- Department XV, Discipline of Urology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (V.B.); (S.L.); (A.C.); (V.D.); (R.B.); (A.A.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Salafia C, Bellizzi KM, Ligus K, Fritzson E, Park CL. Perceived negative consequences of cancer and psychological distress in survivors: the moderating role of social support. J Cancer Surviv 2023:10.1007/s11764-023-01444-8. [PMID: 37606815 PMCID: PMC11018111 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-023-01444-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Many cancer survivors experience psychological distress at some point during their care. The degree to which individuals perceive negative consequences of cancer has been associated with psychological distress, including anxiety and depression. Identifying psychosocial factors that buffer the effects of illness perceptions on distress may provide a target for intervention to improve the psychological health of cancer survivors. As such, the present study aimed to examine whether social support moderates the relationship between perceived negative consequences of cancer and psychological distress. METHODS The current longitudinal study of 413 cancer survivors (64% female, 58% breast cancer, Mage = 59.68, SD = 11.41) examined social support as a potential moderator of the relationship, hypothesizing that greater overall perceived social support would buffer the relationship between perceived negative consequences of cancer and subsequent symptoms of anxiety and depression. RESULTS Perceived negative consequences of cancer predicted anxiety and depression over time (p < .05), but social support had a buffering effect on the perceived negative consequences of cancer-anxiety relationship (β = - .20, p < .001) as well as the perceived negative consequences of cancer-depression relationship (β = - .11, p < .05). CONCLUSION Results suggest that social support is a protective factor over time against the pathway of illness perceptions leading to psychological distress among cancer survivors. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Interventions that improve social support in cancer survivors may attenuate psychological distress and help support these individuals in their survivorship journey.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Salafia
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, U-1058, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA.
| | - Keith M Bellizzi
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, U-1058, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Kaleigh Ligus
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, U-1058, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Emily Fritzson
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, U-1058, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Crystal L Park
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, 406 Babbidge Road, U-1020, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| |
Collapse
|