Association between Stressors after Hurricanes Irma and María and Psychological Distress in Patients with Active Breast and Colorectal Cancer Treatment.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the stressors faced by breast and colorectal cancer patients following Hurricanes Irma and María in Puerto Rico and to evaluate their association with post-hurricane psychological distress.

METHODS

A telephone-based survey was conducted with 241 cancer patients (140 with breast cancer and 101 with colorectal cancer) aged ≥40 years, diagnosed at least six months before September 2017, and undergoing treatment at the time of the hurricanes. Data on traumatic stressors (e.g., experiences directly related to life-threatening situations), non-traumatic stressors (e.g., difficulties accessing basic needs), and psychological distress (measured using the Kessler 6-item Psychological Distress Scale) were collected. Poisson regression estimated the prevalence ratio (PR, 95% CI) for psychological distress according to hurricane-related stressors, adjusting for age, cancer type, pre-hurricane preparedness, and social support.

RESULTS

Nearly 25% of participants faced traumatic stressors, 57.5% were exposed to nontraumatic stressors, and 45.6% presented elevated psychological distress. Those who faced traumatic and nontraumatic stressors demonstrated elevated psychological distress compared to their counterparts (PR=1.73, 95% CI=1.36, 2.20; PR=1.69, 95% CI=1.21, 2.35; respectively) after adjusting for age, cancer type, pre-hurricane preparedness, and social support.

CONCLUSION

Breast and colorectal cancer patients experienced heightened psychological distress due to exposure to various hurricane-related stressors. It is crucial to prioritize an action plan that addresses disaster preparedness, response, and the mental well-being of vulnerable populations like cancer patients to enhance their overall health and resilience.