Financial Toxicity and Its Association With Psychological Distress and Quality of Life: Comparison Between Young,...

Individuals diagnosed with cancer, spanning from young to old adults, face the risk of financial toxicity, which encompasses material, psychological, and behavioural dimensions. The study aimed to compare financial toxicity among young-aged adults, middle-aged adults, and old-aged adults receiving cancer care, and to examine its association with psychological distress and quality of life.

A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in China, and data were collected from September 2023 to June 2024. The financial toxicity, psychological distress, and quality of life were collected using questionnaires. Material, psychological, and behavioural aspects of financial toxicity were assessed systematically and compared among different age groups using Chi-square tests. Multivariable linear regression models were used to analyse the association of financial toxicity with psychological distress and quality of life.

A total of 939 cancer patients were included. Young-aged, middle-aged, and old-aged patients accounted for 135 (14.38%), 580 (61.77%), and 224 (23.85%), respectively. More than 85% of patients experienced material or psychological financial toxicity, and more than 56% of patients suffered behavioural aspects of financial toxicity. Financial toxicity was more common in young and middle-aged cancer patients compared with old-aged cancer patients. Financial toxicity was linked to increased psychological distress and reduced quality of life, particularly among middle-aged patients.

Financial toxicity assessment in routine cancer care requires a comprehensive analysis of the material, psychological, and behavioural domains of financial toxicity among different age groups. There is a need for targeted interventions that address the financial toxicity of different age groups, so as to improve their psychological well-being and quality of life.