0866 Help-Seeking Interest and Preferences for Sleep Problems in a Large Sample of Cancer Patients

• Published in: Sleep (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2018-04, Vol.41 (suppl_1), p.A322-A322
• Main Authors: Zhou, E S, Clark, K, Obenchain, R, Recklitis, C J, Loscalzo, M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cancer; Help seeking behavior; Medical diagnosis; Patients; Prostate; Prostate cancer; Sleep
• ISSN: 0161-8105; 1550-9109
• DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsy061.865

Abstract Introduction Sleep problems are common among adult cancer patients and have major health consequences if they are untreated. Unfortunately, few cancer patients are screened for sleep disorders and even fewer receive evidence-based sleep treatment. This study sought to identify patient characteristics associated with interest in seeking help for sleep problems and preferences for how this information could be delivered. Methods Cancer outpatients completed a routine distress screen during a medical visit following their cancer diagnosis, but prior to initiating cancer treatment. This included a question about interest in receiving assistance (written information, talk with a member of the medical team, both written information/talk with a member of the medical team, or nothing needed) about treatment for their sleep problems. Results 5,671 cancer patients (67.5% female; 76.9% White, 17.2% Asian, 5.5% Black) across 8 different diagnoses (breast, gastrointestinal, gynecological, head and neck, hematological, lung, prostate, urinary) participated. More than 1 in 3 cancer patients reported interest in receiving further assistance about sleep treatment, with approximately 10% preferring written information, 15% wanting to talk to a member of their medical team, and 10% desiring both. Patients who were diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer (OR=1.2), were Black (OR=1.8), had a high school diploma or less (OR=1.2), or had an annual household income under $40,000 (OR=1.5) were more likely to express interest in assistance. Those diagnosed with prostate cancer (OR=0.6) were less likely. A multivariate logistic regression indicated cancer diagnosis, race, education, and income all remained significant predictors of interest in receiving further information about sleep treatment. Conclusion A sizable proportion of cancer patients are interested in learning more about how to address their sleep problems via multiple modalities. This is an important information need for patients and is especially salient for specific patient subgroups. Our findings suggest that cancer centers should provide clinical resources related to sleep problems for their patients. Support (If Any) City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center internal funding.