Identifying factors of psychological distress on the experience of pain and symptom management among cancer patients.
BACKGROUND
Epidemiological evidence suggests the impact psychological distress has on symptomatic outcomes (pain) among cancer patients. While studies have examined distress across various medical illnesses, few have examined the relationship of psychological distress and pain among patients diagnosed with cancer. This study aimed to examine the impact psychological distress-related symptoms has on pain frequency, presence of pain, and pain-related distress among oncology patients.


METHODS
Data were collected from a sample of White and Black adults (N = 232) receiving outpatient services from a comprehensive cancer center. Participants were surveyed on questions assessing psychological distress (i.e., worry, feeling sad, difficulty sleeping), and health (pain presence, pain frequency, comorbidities, physical functioning), behavioral (pain-related distress), and demographic characteristics.


RESULTS
Patients reporting functional limitations were more likely to report pain. Specifically, those reporting difficulty sleeping and feeling irritable were similarly likely to report pain. Data further showed age and feeling irritable as significant indicators of pain-related distress, with younger adults reporting more distress.


CONCLUSIONS
It must be recognized that psychological distress and experiences of pain frequency are contingent upon a myriad of factors that are not exclusive, but rather coexisting determinants of health. Further assessment of identified predictors such as age, race, socioeconomic status, and other physical and behavioral indicators are necessary, thus allowing for an expansive understanding of the daily challenges and concerns of individuals diagnosed with cancer, while providing the resources for clinicians, researchers, and policy makers to better meet the needs of this patient population.
Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, 426 Fraser Hall, 1415 Jayhawk Blvd, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA. tbakerthomas@ku.edu.
Tamara A
TA
Baker
Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, 1590 N High St., Suite 525, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
Jessica L
JL
Krok-Schoen
University of South Florida, College of Nursing, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, MDC Box 22, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
Susan C
SC
McMillan
D044383:Black People; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D059408:Pain Management / Q000523:psychology*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D044465:White People
Pain frequency; Pain presence; Physical functioning; Psychological distress