Distress in post-treatment hematological cancer survivors: Prevalence and predictors.

Abstract

<b>Objectives:</b> To calculate the prevalence of psychosocial distress, and identify factors that predict distress, in early post-treatment hematological cancer survivors.<b>Design:</b> Cross-sectional survey containing self-report measures.<b>Sample/Methods:</b> Post-treatment hematological cancer survivors in remission (>18 years) (<i>n</i> = 409) completed questionnaires. Distress was measured with the distress thermometer (DT). Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of distress.<b>Findings:</b> Overall 21.9% (<i>n</i> = 93) of respondents reported significant distress (DT ≥4). Significant distress was twice as high in those born overseas (OR = 2.09, <i>p</i> = .03), 3.5 times higher in those with lower social support (OR = 3.51, <i>p</i> = <.001) and five times higher in those with increased fear of recurrence (OR = 0.17, <i>p</i> = <.001).<b>Implications for Psychosocial Providers:</b> Early identification of distress may decrease psychosocial issues in the post-treatment period, especially as psychosocial services have been shown to improve wellbeing for those who are distressed.