Adverse COVID-19 experiences and physical and psychological outcomes in patients with lung cancer

Although patients with lung cancer are at high risk of poor outcomes from COVID-19, little is known about the economic and psychosocial impact of the pandemic on this population. This study had 2 objectives: (1) to identify the prevalence of financial and social disruptions and other adverse COVID-19 experiences in socioeconomically diverse patients with lung cancer; and (2) to examine whether these experiences were associated with physical and psychological symptoms.

Patients with lung cancer (N = 191) were recruited from a cancer center in the midwestern U.S. from August 2021 to April 2022 to participate in a cross-sectional survey of COVID-19 experiences and symptoms. Path analyses tested associations between COVID-19 experiences and symptoms, adjusting for sociodemographic and medical covariates.

Prevalent COVID-19 experiences included disrupted interactions with family and friends (66.0%), inability to perform daily routines (38.5%), and financial difficulties (18.5%). Greater financial hardship and disruptions to daily activities and social interactions were associated with higher levels of all physical and psychological symptoms. Endorsing more COVID-19 experiences (e.g., job loss, death of loved ones) was only associated with greater anxiety. Despite prevalent hardships, mean levels of physical and psychological symptoms were within normal ranges, except for elevated fatigue.

Although adverse COVID-19 experiences were common and related to symptom burden, patients with lung cancer showed notable psychological resilience during the pandemic. Oncology clinicians should consider the impact of COVID-19 experiences when providing financial and support services.