Predictors of quality of life and resilience in patients with ovarian cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

Purpose The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the psychosocial burdens of patients with ovarian cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Ninety-three patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer answered a quantitative survey during the COVID-19 pandemic assessing pandemic-related psychosocial impairment. The following domains, among others, were assessed: quality of life and therapy assessment (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy [FACT-G7]); anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 [GAD7]); depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-2 [PHQ2]); global physical, mental, and social health (PROMIS items]); and resilience (Brief Resilience Scale [BRS]). Patient groups were compared via analyses of variance ([first-line treatment vs. second-line treatment vs. subsequent treatment] and [patients at younger age at start of treatment vs. older patients]) in terms of psychological impairment. Regression analyses were performed to predict preserved quality of life and resilience. Results Most patients rated their physical health, mental health, and satisfaction with social activities as good. Eighty-five patients (91.4%) were somewhat or very concerned about the pandemic. In general, patients on first-line therapy reported a better quality of life ( p  = 0.03) and better general health ( p  = 0.014) than those on at least second-line therapy. Patients who were younger at the start of treatment (< 65 years) reported significantly more concern about the pandemic than older patients ( p  = 0.008). Predictors of quality of life (FACT-7) were general health (global item), severity of depression (PHQ-2), and type of therapy. Predictors of resilience (BRS) were severity of anxiety (GAD-7) and mental health (global item). Conclusions Patients in the first line of treatment, and younger patients in particular, might benefit from support in coping with pandemic-related burdens. To ensure the highest possible resilience and quality of life in this patient group, attention should also be paid to potential psychological distress, which should be treated alongside the cancer.