Economic distress, financial toxicity, and medical cost-coping in young adult cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic: Findings from an online sample Journal Article
| Authors: | Thom, B.; Benedict, C.; Friedman, D. N.; Watson, S. E.; Zeitler, M. S.; Chino, F. |
| Article Title: | Economic distress, financial toxicity, and medical cost-coping in young adult cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic: Findings from an online sample |
| Abstract: | Background: Young adult (YA) cancer survivors are at risk for financial toxicity during and after cancer treatment. Financial toxicity has been associated with medical-related cost-coping behaviors such as skipping or delaying treatment. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in dire economic consequences that may worsen financial hardship among young survivors. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey; data collection occurred online. A convenience sample was recruited through YA cancer advocacy groups and social media. Negative economic events associated with the COVID-19 pandemic (eg, income loss, increased debt, and decreased job security) and medical-related cost-coping were documented. A validated measure assessed cancer-related financial toxicity. Results: Participants (N = 212) had a mean age of 35.3 years at survey completion and a mean age of 27.4 years at diagnosis. Financial toxicity (mean, 14.0; SD, 9.33) was high. Two-thirds of the sample experienced at least 1 negative economic event during COVID-19, and 71% engaged in at least 1 medical cost-coping behavior. Cost-coping and pandemic-related negative economic events were significantly correlated with cancer-related financial toxicity. In multivariable analyses, pandemic-related negative economic events and financial toxicity were associated with cost-coping. Conclusions: Acute negative economic events associated with the COVID-19 pandemic may exacerbate cancer-related financial toxicity and overall financial hardship among YAs and lead to cost-coping behaviors that can compromise survivorship care and health outcomes. Multilevel, systematic interventions are needed to address the financial needs of YA survivors after the global pandemic. © 2021 American Cancer Society. |
| Keywords: | young adult; survivorship; financial toxicity; coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19); cost-coping |
| Journal Title: | Cancer |
| Volume: | 127 |
| Issue: | 23 |
| ISSN: | 0008-543X |
| Publisher: | Wiley Blackwell |
| Date Published: | 2021-12-01 |
| Start Page: | 4481 |
| End Page: | 4491 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.1002/cncr.33823 |
| PUBMED: | 34351638 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| PMCID: | PMC8426858 |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | Article -- Export Date: 1 December 2021 -- Source: Scopus |
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