Changes in health-related quality of life, anxiety and depression in patients with colorectal cancer during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Aim of the study: The study aimed to assess the changes in health-related quality of life, anxiety and depression in patients with colorectal cancer during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This is an observational study within the ongoing PLCRC cohort. We included 7651 patients, who were required to have at least one questionnaire completed in the year before COVID-19 pandemic. Patients filled out two questionnaires - (EORTC) QLQ-C30 and HADS questionnaire. Clinical data were obtained from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Linear mixed model analysis was used to assess the three outcomes of interest: HRQoL, anxiety and depression scores. Additionally, we stratified the models by 3 variables – living situation, gender and cancer stage. Results: In total the analysis included 3646 (44.6%) patients. The scores of quality of life analysis showed an upwards trend for all three variables in the stratified analysis with statistically significant differences on almost all timepoints. Anxiety score changes showed more variability, with still some significant differences. Depression scores showed almost no changes across all timepoints and variables. Conclusion: To conclude, our study showed increased HRQoL levels, slightly higher (but clinically insignificant) anxiety levels and, no change in depression levels in colorectal cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic as compared to the results from the year before the COVID-19 pandemic.