Investigating the relationship between the Fear of cancer recurrence and COVID-۱۹ anxiety in patients with cancer survivors

Introduction: Cancer patients face numerous therapeutic and health challenges during the COVID-۱۹ epidemic. External stress and illness conditions and crises such as the COVID-۱۹ epidemic can cause high levels of anxiety and stress in these patients. The aim of this study was to determine the fear of cancer recurrence and anxiety caused by COVID-۱۹ in cancer patients during the outbreak of COVID-۱۹. Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional study on ۲۶۷ patients with end-stage cancer were selected by convenience sampling. Sampling was done by referring the researcher to oncology centers and doctors' offices from March to July ۲۰۲۱. Demographic questionnaire, Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI) and The Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS) were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS ۲۲ software using independent t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: The present study showed that ۲.۶% had a strong fear of cancer recurrence and ۸۹.۹% had a moderate fear of cancer recurrence. About ۳۰% had moderate to severe anxiety due to COVID-۱۹ disease. There was a significant, positive and moderate correlation between FCRI and CDAS. Fear of cancer recurrence was associated with CDAS, income, and history of chemotherapy. On the other hand, a one-point rise in the CDAS score results in a ۰.۳۸-point increase in the FCRI score. Additionally, participants with a greater income and no history of chemotherapy had lower FCRI scores than those with a lower income and a history of chemotherapy. Conclusion: The present study showed that cancer patients have high levels of fear of cancer recurrence and moderate levels of anxiety due to COVID-۱۹ disease and there is a positive relationship between fear of cancer recurrence and anxiety due to COVID-۱۹ disease. Paying attention to the factors affecting the mental condition of cancer patients can play an important role in completing treatment and preventing the exacerbation of the disease, so it is suggested that managers and the treatment system take effective complementary measures to reduce anxiety in cancer patients.

کلیدواژه ها:

Fear ، Cancer recurrence ، Anxiety ، COVID-۱۹ ، Cancer survivors