Factors affecting access to head and neck cancer care after a natural disaster: a post-Hurricane Katrina survey.
BACKGROUND
Our aim was to survey the factors affecting access to cancer care in patients with head and neck cancer after Hurricane Katrina.


METHODS
In this cross-sectional survey, 207 patients with head and neck cancer were identified post-Hurricane Katrina, but only 83 patients completed the questionnaires and were analyzed. Clinical, demographic, and socioeconomic data were recorded. Chi-square test and t test were used for comparisons.


RESULTS
Patients who felt that there was a lack of access to cancer care would have sought treatment earlier had they had better access to cancer care (chi-square[1] = 32; p < .0001). Patients who felt that there was a lack of access to cancer care also had difficulty receiving treatment (chi-square[1] = 48; p < .0001). Availability of transportation affected access to cancer care in patients with early-stage cancers (chi-square[1] = 4; p < .035).


CONCLUSIONS
In the postdisaster environment, patients who felt the lack of access to cancer care post-Hurricane Katrina would have sought treatment earlier with better access to cancer care. These patients also reported difficulty obtaining cancer treatment. Availability of transportation affected access to cancer care in patients with early-stage cancers. Clinical, demographic, and socioeconomic factors did not influence access to cancer care.
Loehn
Bridget
B
Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
Pou
Anna M
AM
Nuss
Daniel W
DW
Tenney
Justin
J
McWhorter
Andrew
A
DiLeo
Michael
M
Kakade
Anagha C
AC
Walvekar
Rohan R
RR
D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D055867:Cyclonic Storms; D004189:Disaster Planning; D004190:Disasters; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality* / Q000628:therapy*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007348:Insurance, Health / Q000639:trends; D008145:Louisiana; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016019:Survival Analysis