Factors associated with the decline of psychological support in hospitalized patients with cancer

Abstract: Objective
Many distressed cancer patients do not want or, finally, do not use psychological support. This study aimed at identifying factors associated with the decline of psychological support during hospital stay.

Methods
This cross‐sectional study included inpatients with different cancer diagnoses. Distress was assessed using the short form of the Questionnaire on Stress in Cancer Patients‐Revised (QSC‐R10) and the Distress Thermometer (DT). Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with decline.

Results
Of 925 patients, 71.6% (n = 662) declined psychological support. Male sex (OR = 2.54, 95% CI = 1.69‐3.80), low psychosocial distress (OR = 3.76, CI = 2.50‐5.67), not feeling depressed (OR = 1.93, CI = 1.24‐2.99), perceived overload (OR = 3.37, CI = 2.19‐5.20), no previous psychological treatment (OR = 1.88, CI = 1.25‐2.83), and feeling well informed about psychological support (OR = 1.66, CI = 1.11‐2.46) were associated with decline. Among the patients who indicated clinical distress (46.2%), 53.9% declined psychological support. Male sex (OR = 2.96, CI = 1.71‐5.12), not feeling depressed (OR = 1.87, CI = 1.12‐3.14), perceived overload (OR = 5.37, CI = 3.07‐9.37), agreeableness (OR = 0.70, CI = 0.51‐0.95), and feeling well informed about psychological support (OR = 1.81, CI = 1.07‐3.07) were uniquely associated with decline in this subgroup.

Conclusions
Decline of psychological support is primarily due to psychological factors. Feeling well informed about support emerged as a relevant factor associated with decline. Thus, design of informational material and education about available psychological services seem crucial

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch
• Notes: Psycho-oncology. - 28, 10 (2019) , 2049-2059, ISSN: 1099-161

Classification and Topics

• Keyword: Krebs ; Depression

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (where): Freiburg
• (who): Universität
• (when): 2019
• Creator: Pichler, Theresia ; Dinkel, Andreas ; Marten‐Mittag, Birgitt ; Hermelink, Kerstin ; Telzerow, Eva ; Ackermann, Ulrike ; Belka, Claus ; Combs, Stephanie ; Gratzke, Christian ; Gschwend, Jürgen E. ; Harbeck, Nadia ; Heinemann, Volker ; Herkommer, Kathleen ; Kiechle, Marion ; Mahner, Sven ; Pigorsch, Steffi Ulrike ; Rauch, Josefine ; Stief, Christian ; Beckmann, Jürgen ; Heußner, Pia ; Herschbach, Peter

Further information

• DOI: 10.1002/pon.5191
• URN: urn:nbn:de:bsz:25-freidok-1511600
• Rights: Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 15.08.2025, 7:31 AM CEST