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Depression, anxiety, & loneliness among cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic
Larissa Lee White1, Shauna R Goldberg1, Heather Spencer Feigelson1
1Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA.
Purpose:
To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on depression, anxiety, and loneliness between those with and without a history of cancer.
Design:
This prospective observational study used a quantitative approach.
Participants:
Adult members of the Kaiser Permanente Research Bank (N = 104,640).
Methods:
Participants completed a series of surveys from May to December 2020. The difference in score of depression, anxiety, and loneliness were estimated using linear mixed regression.
Findings:
Among cancer survivors, 21% and 19% met the thresholds for increased risk of depression and anxiety. Among cancer survivors, younger age groups and females reported increased depression, anxiety, and loneliness scores.
Conclusions:
This study highlights the continued necessity of addressing mental health needs and social support in cancer survivors during and after a public health emergency.
Implications For Psychosocial Providers:
Cancer survivors may need particular resources after cancer treatment to strengthen resilience and improve quality of life.
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