Dataset Information

Knowledge about risk factors for cancer and cancer risk behavior among patients with severe mental illness.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To examine knowledge about, perception of and current risk factors for cancer, among patients with severe mental illness (SMI) and to compare these variables with patients without SMI.

Methods

A series of patients affected by SMI (i.e., schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar disorders and severe personality disorders) and a matched (gender, age) control group of primary care attenders were assessed, by using an ad hoc semi-structured interview and a short true/false 17-item questionnaire, about family history of cancer, cancer risk-related lifestyles, personal perception and knowledge of risk for cancer.

Results

Patients with SMI (n = 185, mainly schizophrenia spectrum disorders, 48%, and mood disorders, 33%) significantly differed from primary care attenders (n = 173) for: lower participation to occult stool blood screening test, Pap smear test and mammography; higher prevalence of current and past smoking habits; lower awareness towards their own physical symptoms and their perception of risks for cancer; lower physical exercise practicing; lower knowledge about risk factors for cancer (e.g. familiarity for cancer, smoke-habits, breast and uterine cancer).

Conclusions

Patients suffering from SMI had higher at-risk behavior for cancer and showed fewer concerns and less knowledge about risk for cancer than primary care attendees. These findings can guide to implement screening for cancer (e.g., Pap test, blood) and to design evidence-based interventions to reduce cancer risk (e.g., educational and behavioral change for smoking cessation, dietary habits) among patients with SMI.

SUBMITTER: Grassi L

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9291283 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Similar Datasets

Project description:Interventions: We are assessing the impact of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) by comparing participation rates of people with and without Severe Mental Illness (SMI) and looking at health outcomes. We will be using data collected from Aug 2006 - latest available. We are linking data using Commonwealth data (NBCSP, Medicare Benefits Schedule, Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, Australian Cancer Database & the National Death Index) to compare bowel cancer screening participation in people with SMI to those from the general population. We will additionally link these to the NSW cancer registry and hospital data to examine care pathways from diagnosis through treatment and end-of-life care. We will also conduct a consultation with people with experience of SMI and Colorectal cancer and people with SMI in peer support roles who can provide their perspective on the barriers faced by people with SMI to gaining timely screening, diagnosis and optimal care. These participants will be recruited from New South Wales consumer organisations and organisations with a strong focus on provision of peer support and advocacy. We will use a semi structured group interview schedule to facilitate discussion of a single focus group of 15 people. The group will consist of both people with lived experience who have direct experience of bowel cancer (n=10), as well as other people with lived experience who have supported people in this situation – as peer support workers or in other consumer advocacy/support roles (n=5). We will use this qualitative arm of the study to further develop our understanding of the quantitative findings. The consultation will also develop ideas on how to improve access to care. Primary outcome(s): Participation rates in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program assessed using data from the NBCSP.[Person-years will be calculated from entry into the study (2006) (the date of commencement of the NBCSP) or from the year that people become eligible for screening (i.e. age 50), whichever occurs later.. This is a retrospective cohort study, so all of the outcomes have already occurred and were recorded in the administrative data. This will be assessed when we receive the data.];Colonoscopy rates assessed using data from the NBCSP [Person-years will be calculated from entry into the study (2006 the date of commencement of the NBCSP), or from the year that people become eligible for screening (i.e. age 50), whichever occurs later, until colonoscopy. This is a retrospective cohort study, so all of the outcomes have already occurred and have been recorded in the administrative data.];Cancer diagnosis using data from the Australian Cancer Database[Person-years will be calculated from entry into the study (2006 the date of commencement of the NBCSP), or from the year that people become eligible for screening (i.e. age 50), whichever occurs later, until cancer diagnosis. This is a retrospective cohort study, so all of the outcomes have already occurred and have been recorded in the administrative data.] Study Design: Purpose: Screening;Duration: Longitudinal;Selection: Case control;Timing: Both