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Health anxiety and work loss in patients diagnosed with serrated polyposis syndrome: A cross sectional study

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Serrated polyposis syndrome (SPS) is a polyposis condition with neoplastic potential, but its psychological impact is not well understood. AIM: To assess health anxiety prevalence in a regional Australian cohort of SPS patients and explore factors influencing it, including workforce impacts of regular surveillance. METHODS: This cross-sectional study screened patients aged 18-65 undergoing colonoscopy in a regional gastroenterology practice between January 2015 and June 2022. Eligible SPS patients were invited to participate. Data included the Short Health Anxiety Inventory, employment status, and previous demographic and medical findings. RESULTS: Health anxiety was found in 21.57% of SPS patients, with anxious patients being significantly more concerned about surveillance (OR = 7.70). Patients lost an average of 11.04 work hours per colonoscopy. CONCLUSION: Health anxiety in SPS patients aligns with rates in other gastroenterology populations. Identifying it may improve management, though further research is needed to better understand prevalence and care improvements.

Source: World Journal of Clinical Oncology

DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v16.i2.97107

Authors: Angus Thompson, Natalie R Dierick, Louise Heiniger, Stuart N Kostalas

Institutions: UNSW Sydney, Port Macquarie Base Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Genetic factors in colorectal cancer

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: National Institute for Health and Care Research, Department of Health and Social Care, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust