Impact of COVID-19 Epidemic on Psycho-Oncological Distress in Neuro-Oncological Patients

Abstract

Up to 40% of neuro-oncological patients already deal with high levels of distress under conventional circumstances. Due to COVID-19, pandemic hospital visitor rules have been restricted and patients did not receive the same level of supporting caregiver network as before COVID. The aim of the present study was to analyse the impact of the COVID pandemic on the prevalence of distress, anxiety and depression in neuro-oncological patients. Patients admitted for brain tumour surgery were screened regarding distress, anxiety and depression. Furthermore, aspects of patients’ quality of life and clinical data were covered. Retrospectively available data of patients treated pre-pandemic (group A) and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic (group B) were statistically analysed using Chi-square tests and independent-sample t-tests, and regression analysis was performed to support statistical findings. Data from 110 patients were available. In all, 48 patients were included pre-COVID-19 and 62 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors found no significant difference between pre-COVID-19 prevalence of distress (p = 0.112), anxiety (p = 0.385) or depression (p = 0.084). Regression analyses additionally did not show any significant influence of COVID-19 on the above analysed parameter. Analyses of our cohort’s data could not underline the negative impact of COVID-19 restrictions, shortcuts of professional and remodelled caregiver support on psycho-oncological outcomes.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• psycho-oncological screening
• distress
• HADS
• brain tumour