The assessment of psychosocial distress in hospitalized cancer patients during radio-oncological treatment: a monocentric experience study

This study investigated the prevalence and determinants of psychosocial distress among hospitalized patients undergoing radiotherapy to identify opportunities for interventions to enhance patient well-being.

Between January 2021 and May 2023, 137 hospitalized patients received radiotherapy treatment at the Department of Radiation Oncology of the Fondazione A. Gemelli IRCCS were recruited. Participants completed a questionnaire comprising the Distress Thermometer (DT) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

The study revealed a significant correlation among anxiety, depression, total HADS scores, and Distress Thermometer scores (p < 0.001). Female patients exhibited higher total HADS scores and anxiety levels compared to males (p < 0.004, p < 0.010, respectively). Sleep disturbances were associated with increased anxiety, depression, and overall distress (p < 0.05). Younger patients (< 65 years old) demonstrated elevated anxiety and depression levels, while no significant depressive tendency was observed among older participants (> 65 years old).

These findings underscore the intricate interplay between demographic variables, psychological distress, and treatment-related symptoms among patients during radiotherapy treatments. The study highlights the critical necessity of promptly identifying and addressing psychosocial distress in this population. It suggests that implementing a psychological therapeutic approach, particularly one focused on support, could effectively deter the onset of depression, especially among younger patients. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to explore distress trajectories and interventions’ effectiveness in mitigating distress, with collaborative efforts to translate research findings into evidence-based clinical practice for improved patient care.