1851P - Psychological well-being of patients with colorectal cancer during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from cohort II of the PICO-SM study

Background

We have previously reported on the initial results of the prospective longitudinal PICO-SM study (Lim et al. 2023), highlighting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of patients with colorectal cancer. Herein, we present the psychological impact of the third wave of the pandemic to patients, when the Omicron variant became prevalent (December 2021 to early 2022).

Methods

Patients were invited to participate in cohort II of the PICO-SM study by completing a questionnaire, including screening psychometric tools. Multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression for binary outcomes: anxiety (GAD-7 score ≥ 5), depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 10), and poor well-being (WHO-5 < 50); and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.

Results

In total, 96 participants were included: mean age 64 years, 64% (n = 61) males. 33% (n = 32/96) reported poor well-being (WHO-5 < 50), 27% (n = 26/96) anxiety (GAD-7 ≥ 5), 11% (n = 11/96) depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) and 3% (n = 3/96) probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PC-PTSD-5 ≥ 4). The results compare with distress levels in the second pandemic wave: 31%, 24%, 15% and 3%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that patients who had investigations cancelled (OR 9.22, 95% CI 1.09-77.85; p = 0.041) or felt that the pandemic would affect their mental health (OR 3.82, 95% CI 1.96-7.44; p < 0.001) had increased risk of anxiety. Similarly, concern that the pandemic would affect their cancer treatment (OR 4.59, 95% CI 1.03-20.56; p = 0.046) or would affect their mental health (OR 3.90, 95% CI 1.38-11.03; p = 0.010) were found independent predictors of poor wellbeing.

Conclusions

The psychological distress experienced by patients, particularly anxiety, remained persistently high during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. These updated results align with our initial findings, emphasizing the critical importance of continuing cancer treatment amidst the ongoing humanitarian emergency. It is crucial for healthcare services to prioritize ongoing psychological support for cancer patients, with a particular focus on those who are more vulnerable.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Servier.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.