title: Distress, problems and referral wish of cancer patients: differences according to relationship status and life phase.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to examine differences in distress, problems and referral wish in cancer patients according to relationship status and life phase.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional group of 1340 patients (response = 51%) completed socio-demographic and illness-related questions, and the Dutch version of the Distress Thermometer and Problem List that also assesses desire for additional care (yes, maybe and no). Relationship status was categorized into six groups (married, cohabiting, LAT (=living-apart-together: have a partner but live alone), divorced, widowed or single) and age into young (18-50), middle aged (51-65) and older (65+) cohorts.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Relationship status and life phase were independently related to high distress, referral wish and accordance between the latter two. Single and LAT patients were around two times more likely than married patients to be highly distressed, and wanting additional care. The same was found for younger patients as compared to 65+ patients. Whereas high distress is usually not a strong indication for additional care needs, single, LAT and younger patients most often wanted care when they were highly distressed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Health care professionals who implement distress screening in practice can expect a higher need for additional care in single and LAT patients, but only when they are younger or middle aged. The benefit of having a partner around on a daily basis seems less important in dealing with cancer-related problems when patients are older.
authors.affiliation: Health Psychology Section, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Marrit A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Tuinman
authors.affiliation: Comprehensive Cancer Center Netherlands, location Groningen, the Netherlands.|Wenckebach Institute, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: F M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Van Nuenen
authors.affiliation: Health Psychology Section, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hagedoorn
authors.affiliation: Comprehensive Cancer Center Netherlands, location Groningen, the Netherlands.|Wenckebach Institute, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: J E H M
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Hoekstra-Weebers
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D057240:Patient Preference / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: cancer; distress; oncology; referral wish; relationship status; screening