Università degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Corso di laurea in infermieristica - Sede di Modena

Abstract

Context: A traumatic event such as the Covid-19 pandemic has a negative impact on the emotional sphere and psychosocial functioning of the population. The situation is even more complex in a cancer patient with cancer, for whom the sense of danger and the threat of death are not new. Objective of the study: To investigate the psychological impact that the Covid-19 pandemic may have caused in cancer patients. Materials: Paper questionnaire composed of open and closed questions related to Coronavirus, associated emotions and mood in general. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess anxiety and depression. The investigation time is enclosed in the months from January to June 2021. Sample: 113 patients from the departments of Oncology Phase 1, Hematology and Oncology Medicine of the Oncology Center of Modena. Data analysis: The questionnaires were grouped according to the month of compilation and analysed. Results and Conclusions: The answers provided show an emotional discomfort characterized by concerns for the future and for their own care, fear of possible contagion, loneliness and sadness. An average of 76% of participants said they were worried and/or powerless. More than 70% feel that they are more physically vulnerable and at risk to Covid than a healthy person. 47.8% of patients felt more alone than usual and an average of 26.3% and 36.6% sometimes experienced sadness or often sadness over the ban on receiving visitors. The HADS scale shows that 61% of participants have anxiety and/or depression. At the end of the analysis, it was found that there was a need for comparison with pre-pandemic data. This is undoubtedly a limitation for work and an obstacle to the overall care of the person, so itis suggested to consider the used questionnaire to evaluate the emotional dimension of patients in a systematic way.