Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychosocial outcomes among women experiencing breast health delays in New York City

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Abstract Purpose:Reallocation of healthcare resources during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in delays for breast cancer care. Data are sparse regarding the impact of these delays on psychosocial outcomes.Methods:This cross-sectional study utilized validated instruments to measure psychosocial outcomes of women with and without breast cancer experiencing healthcare delays.Results:The study population was comprised of 30 (35%) recently diagnosed breast cancer patients, 24 (28%) women without cancer, and 31 (36%) breast cancer survivors (n = 85). Overall, 58% reported a delay in breast health care. Compared to those who did not report any delays, women with delays had higher levels of anxiety, (78% vs. 58%; p = 0.059), perceived stress (45% vs. 28%; p = 0.17), loneliness (67% vs. 32%; p = 0.003), and depression (16% vs. 8.3%; p = 0.34); and no or low emotional support (58% vs. 28%; p = 0.008).Conclusion:Women with and without breast cancer experiencing a healthcare delay reported more symptoms of anxiety, depression, perceived stress, and loneliness, and less emotional support. Longer time to treatment was experienced by breast cancer patients with higher levels of psychosocial morbidity. When future healthcare resource constraints lead to substantial treatment delays, providers should consider the psychosocial impacts of these delays and consider systematic screening to identify patients in need of additional support.

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