Psychosocial Support Needs and Associated Factors among Cancer Patients: A Hospital-Based, Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study in Vietnam

Vy, Huynh Thuy; Nghia, Dao Quang; Nguyen, Le Thi Ngoc; Binh, Vo Tran Trong; Minh, Hoang Thi Tam; Kinh, Hoang Dinh; Nam, Tran Le Thi Thanh; Bang, Ho Tat; Trung, Lam Quoc

doi:10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.7.2619

Psychosocial Support Needs and Associated Factors among Cancer Patients: A Hospital-Based, Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study in Vietnam

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

¹ Faculty of Public Health, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

² Department of Chemotherapy, University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

³ District 5 Medical Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

⁴ Thoracic and Vascular Department, University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

⁵ Department of Health Management, Faculty of Public Health, University, Vietnam.

10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.7.2619

Abstract

Background: Psychosocial support needs in cancer patients arise from severe emotional challenges following a definitive diagnosis, including shock, anxiety, and fear, which negatively impact mental health and reduce treatment effectiveness. Assessing psychosocial support needs is essential for developing intervention strategies to improve disease prognosis and enhance patients care experience. This study aimed to determine psychosocial support needs scores and related factors among cancer patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 130 cancer patients at the Chemotherapy Department, University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City, from July to September 2024. Data were collected using the Psychosocial Needs Inventory (PNI) questionnaire and analyzed with multivariable linear regression to identify associated factors. Results: The mean (SD) general psychosocial support needs score was 3.83 ± 0.29. Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed significant associations with age, gender, and cancer type. Specifically, female patients and those under 50 years of age had higher support needs compared to other groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study indicated that psychosocial support needs among cancer patients were relatively high, particularly in female and younger patients. These findings provide important scientific evidence for developing targeted psychosocial support intervention programs to improve the quality of life of cancer patients in Vietnam.

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