Predictive factors for asking psychological assistance in the months following to cancer diagnosis

Abstract

Purpose: To state the rate of patients who would ask for psychological assistance, once they have known their diagnosis and treatment assigned. To find the profile of these patients considering their demographic, clinical and psychosocial features. Method: A sample of 236 patients assisted at Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa (CST) was assessed using a questionnaire which asked for demographic and social features, as well as for some psychological variables (mood states, coping problems, previous anxiety or depression disorders) during the months which followed the diagnosis. Results: 24% of patients were interested in receiving psychological assistance. These patients were younger, expressed mood alterations and coping difficulties, and did not have previous anxiety or depression disorders. There were no differences between patients who asked for psychological assistance and those who do not, in gender, educational level, social relationships, diagnostic, or prognosis. Months from the knowledge of diagnosis were also unrelated with desire of receiving psychological assistance. Conclusions: A definition of what does mean “psychological assistance” is needed in order to understand why only 22% of patients ask for this resource. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were unrelated with desire of receiving psychological assistance. Younger patients with psychological distress and without previous history of emotional disturbance are more prone to ask for psychological assistance.