The Psychological, Social, and Economic Impact of Illness Among Patients with Recurrent Cancer
Title:
The Psychological, Social, and Economic Impact of Illness Among Patients with Recurrent Cancer
Author:
Schulz, Richard Williamson, Gail M. Knapp, Judith E. Bookwala, Jamila Lave, Judith Fello, Maryanne
Appeared in:
Journal of psychosocial oncology
Paging:
Volume 13 (1995) nr. 3 pages 21-45
Year:
1995-12-29
Contents:
This longitudinal study examined the psychological, social, and economic impact of recurrent cancer and its treatment on an initial sample of 268 patients. Structured interviews were conducted at the initiation of palliative radiation therapy and four and eight months later (n = 161 at final follow-up). Data were obtained on health status, psychological functioning, personality attributes, social support, health care utilization, and finances. Except for medical transportation, most of the patients' concrete needs did not change over time. Economic issues independently predicted psychological outcomes. Patients' perceived stress, role restriction, self-esteem, and total symptoms dccrcased over time, whereas their dispositional pessimism increased.