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. 2021 Apr;39(4):237.e7-237.e14.
doi: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2020.11.033. Epub 2020 Dec 8.

Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer survivors: A population-based study

Ahrang Jung  1 , Jamie L Crandell  2 , Matthew E Nielsen  3 , Deborah K Mayer  4 , Sophia K Smith  5
Affiliations

Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer survivors: A population-based study

Ahrang Jung et al. Urol Oncol. 2021 Apr.

Abstract

Objective: This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and identified the predictive factors associated with PTSD symptoms in a population of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) survivors.

Methods: A random sample of 2,000 NMIBC survivors, identified through the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry, were sent postal mail survey. PTSD symptoms were measured using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Descriptive statistics and hierarchical multiple linear regression were used to examine the prevalence of PTSD and to identify the factors associated with PTSD.

Results: A total of 376 participants were included in the analysis. The average PCL-5 score was 7.1 (standard deviation [SD] = 10.9, range: 0-66), where higher scores represent higher levels of PTSD symptoms. The prevalence of the provisional PTSD diagnosis was 5.3% or 6.9% (after adjusting for nonresponse). In addition, 28.7% of participants met criteria for at least one PTSD symptom cluster. After controlling for other variables, participants who were younger, had active disease or unsure of status, had more comorbidities, had lower social support, and had higher cognitive concerns reported significantly higher PTSD symptoms.

Conclusion: More than one-fourth of NMIBC survivors had PTSD symptoms. Thus, healthcare providers should assess PTSD symptoms and provide supportive care for NMIBC survivors in the survivorship phase of care.

Keywords: Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer; Post-traumatic stress disorder; Psychological distress; Urinary bladder neoplasms.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest Dr. Nielsen reports grant funding from the National Institutes of Health and the US Department of Defense and work as a consultant for the American Urological Association, all not directly related to the work described in this manuscript. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Comment in

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