Rural-urban differences in distress, quality of life, and social support among Canadian young adult cancer survivors: A Young Adults with Cancer in Their Prime (YACPRIME) study

• Published in: The Journal of rural health 2024-01, Vol.40 (1), p.121-127
• Main Authors: Tulk, Joshua, Wurz, Amanda, Hou, Sharon H J, Bender, Jacqueline, Schulte, Fiona S M, Eaton, Geoff, Chalifour, Karine, Garland, Sheila N
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adults; Bivariate analysis; Cancer; Emotional distress; Geographical locations; Geography; Health status; Health surveys; Mental health; Physical symptoms; Psychological distress; Psychological stress; Psychological well being; Psychosocial factors; Quality of life; Rural areas; Rural communities; Rural health care; Rural urban differences; Rurality; Social interactions; Social support; Surveys; Survival; Survivor; Urban areas; Young adults
• ISSN: 0890-765X; 1748-0361
• DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12774

Geographic location plays a significant role in the health and wellbeing of those with cancer. This project explored the impact of rurality and social support on distress and quality of life in young adults (YAs) with cancer in Canada. The current research analyzed data from the Young Adults with Cancer in Their Prime (YACPRIME) study. Participants completed measures of emotional distress (10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale), quality of life (12-item Short-form Health Survey), and social support (Medical Outcomes Study-Social Support Survey). Rural and urban-dwelling survivors were compared using MANOVAs. Bivariate analyses were conducted to explore associations between distress and social support. Of the sample (N = 379), 26% identified their location as rural. Rural YA cancer survivors reported higher distress and worse physical health-related quality of life (HRQOL) than survivors from urban areas but similar levels of mental-health-related quality of life. Social support appeared to have a marginally greater effect on psychosocial outcomes for urban participants. All types of social support were associated with lower levels of distress. However, different types of social support were associated more strongly with distress depending on a participant's geography. Rural-dwelling YA cancer survivors experience significantly more distress and poorer physical HRQOL than urban-dwelling survivors. Different needs and preferences for social support may influence the psychological health of rural cancer survivors. Additional research is needed to determine how best to understand and address distress in rural YAs with cancer.