Psychological distress among cancer survivors during implementation of a nationwide Movement Control Order over the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the psychological distress and its associated factors among cancer survivors in Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An anonymous Internet-based study was conducted between 23 April and 26 June 2020. During the study period, the country underwent Phase 3 and Phase 4 of the Movement Control Order (MCO), Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), and Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO). Psychological distress was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), which is a 14-item self-assessment scale for measuring distress (total HADS score (HADS-T)) with two subscales, namely anxiety (HADS-A) and depression (HADS-D). Results: From a total of 631 responses received, the proportion of participants with abnormal anxiety and depression was 29.0% and 20.9%, respectively. Distress was reported in 23.0% of the respondents. A total of 16.45% had combined abnormal anxiety and depression. The highest HADS-A (6.10; 95% CI 5.64‒6.56), HADS-D (5.61; 95% CI 5.14‒6.08), and HADS-T (11.71; 95% CI 10.84‒12.58) scores were reported among respondents during Phase 4 of the MCO. Partial least squares-based structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) revealed that self-perceived health status, perceived susceptibility, and severity of COVID-19 have the greatest effect, leading to higher HADS-A, HADS-D, and HADS-T scores. Conclusion: Heightened psychological distress was evident in cancer survivors particularly during the enforcement of the MCO over COVID-19. Providing support to address cancer survivors’ psychological and emotional needs during the COVID-19 pandemic is essential.Implication for cancer survivors: Cancer survivors or their carers should be made aware of the high psychological risk during infectious disease outbreaks and seek timely support.