Dimensions of Distress in Lung Cancer

OBJECTIVES: To (a) compare the domains of distress between patients who were distressed and patients who were not distressed and (b) examine the relationship between the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer and Problem List for Patients (DT-PL) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in individuals with advanced lung cancer. SAMPLE & SETTING: Individuals with advanced lung cancer receiving chemotherapy were recruited from a comprehensive cancer center in the southeastern United States. METHODS & VARIABLES: A cross-sectional, descriptive, exploratory design was used. Individuals with lung cancer completed the DT-PL and the HADS. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t tests, and chi-square analysis. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between the nondistressed group and the clinically distressed group in three domains of distress: family problems, emotional problems, and physical problems. There was no relationship between the DT-PL and the HADS anxiety subscale or the HADS depression subscale. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Distress in individuals with advanced lung cancer goes beyond psychological stressors and includes family problems and physical problems.