Evaluation of Cancer Patients with Older Adult for Awareness and Hospital Arrival Process of COVID-19 Pandemic During: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the Coronavirus pandemic awareness of cancer patients ≥65 years of age, considered a vulnerable group, and their hospital arrival process, follow-ups and treatments during the pandemic. COVID-19 pandemic was found to increases the mortality and morbidity rates of individuals who aged 65 years and older. The research was conducted with a cross-sectional descriptive correlational design. The sample consist of 77 cancer patients aged 65 years and older adult. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling. In total, 77 patients from the Oncology Hospital located in Ankara from April 29, 2020 to May 20, 2020. Data were collected using a two-part form and a questionnaire. The study was undertaken in accordance with the STROBE checklist for observational studies. Of the participants, 59.7% were female, the mean age was 70 years, 79.2% resided in Ankara and 98.7% traveled to the hospital by car. Looking at the gender and the protective measures taken at home, female participants were found to perform a statistically significant higher level of protective measures. In conclusion, the study results suggest that the restrictions for older adult oncology patients during the pandemic did not negatively affect the delivery of health care.