(Ex-)breast cancer patients with (pre-existing) symptoms of anxiety and/or depression experience higher barriers to contact health care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic

• DOI: 10.1007/s10549-021-06112-y
• Publication Date: 2021-02-19T10:10:36Z
• Authors: Dieuwke R. Mink v...; Claudia A. Bargon; Marilot C. T. Bat...; Roxanne Gal; Danny A. Young-Afat; Lilianne E. van Stam; Iris E. van Dam; Femke van der Leij; Inge O. Baas; Miranda F. Ernst; Wiesje Maarse; Nieke Vermulst; Ernst J. P. Schoe...; Thijs van Dalen; Rhodé M. Bijlsma; Annemiek Doeksen; Helena M. Verkooijen
• Keywords: Depression; Pandemic; Patient Health Questionnaire

Abstract Purpose To identify factors associated with (perceived) access to health care among (ex-)breast cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Cross-sectional study within a large prospective, multicenter cohort of patients, i.e., UMBRELLA. All participants enrolled in UMBRELLA between October 2013 and April 2020 were sent COVID-19-specific survey, including Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire. Results In total, 1051 (66.0%) completed survey. During COVID-19, 284 (27.0%) reported clinically relevant increased levels anxiety and/or depression, total HADS score ≥ 12. Participants depression statistically significant higher barriers contact their general practitioner (47.5% vs. 25.0%, resp.) breast physicians (26.8% 11.2%, compared without these symptoms. addition, proportion that current treatment or (after)care was affected by those symptoms (32.7% 20.5%, resp.). Factors independently pre-existent (OR 6.1, 95% CI 4.1–9.2) 6.0, 3.5–10.2). Conclusion pandemic, experience providers. Also, they more often report COVID-19. Risk for are depression. Extra attention—including mental support—is needed this group.