Predictors of distress associated with altered appearance and function in people treated surgically for oral cancers: a cross-sectional study

Megee, F; Gough, K; Frowen, J; Dixon, B; Magarey, M; Wiesenfeld, D; Ramakrishnan, A

Author(s): Megee, F; Gough, K; Frowen, J; Dixon, B; Magarey, M; Wiesenfeld, D; Ramakrishnan, A;
Details: Publication Year 2023-09,Volume 52,Issue #9,Page 923-930
Journal Title: International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Publication Type: Research article
Abstract: This cross-sectional study was performed to examine sources of variation in distress associated with altered appearance and fundamental functions in oral cancer patients at 2 months, 12-15 months, 24-36 months, and >/= 5 years post-definitive treatment. Eligible patients completed six scales from the FACE-Q Head and Neck Cancer Module. Pre-specified regression models were used to examine sources of variation in study outcomes for 145 patients. Patient self-reports indicated that distress associated with altered appearance and fundamental functions was highly variable, and distress was present beyond 5 years post-definitive treatment in some patients. Associations between distress scores and time post-definitive treatment, reconstructive surgery, and adjuvant therapy were not statistically significant. There was, however, moderate to strong evidence against the null hypothesis of no association between eating distress scores and sex, primary cancer site, and T-stage; smiling distress scores and age and primary cancer site; appearance distress scores and geographical remoteness and primary cancer site; and speaking distress scores and primary cancer site. Primary cancer site was the only significant independent predictor of multiple distress scores. These findings suggest that predicting the psychological impact of oral cancer treatment remains a challenge for the multidisciplinary team. Screening and interventions for psychological distress are essential beyond the preoperative and acute care settings.
Publisher: Elsevier
Keywords: Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Quality of Life; *Head and Neck Neoplasms; *Mouth Neoplasms/surgery; *Plastic Surgery Procedures; Jaw neoplasms; Mouth neoplasms; Patient reported outcome measures; Psychological distress
Department(s): Health Services Research; Nutrition and Speech Pathology; Surgical Oncology
PubMed ID: 36739204
Publisher's Version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijom.2023.01.006
Terms of Use/Rights Notice: Refer to copyright notice on published article.

Creation Date: 2023-10-12 05:13:31

Last Modified: 2024-07-09 06:00:17