Factors affecting access to head and neck cancer care after a natural disaster: A post–Hurricane Katrina survey
✍ Scribed by Bridget Loehn; Anna M. Pou; Daniel W. Nuss; Justin Tenney; Andrew McWhorter; Michael DiLeo; Anagha C. Kakade; Rohan R. Walvekar
- Book ID
- 102234792
- Publisher
- John Wiley and Sons
- Year
- 2011
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 208 KB
- Volume
- 33
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 1043-3074
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✦ Synopsis
Abstract
Background
Our aim was to survey the factors affecting access to cancer care in patients with head and neck cancer after Hurricane Katrina.
Methods
In this cross‐sectional survey, 207 patients with head and neck cancer were identified post–Hurricane Katrina, but only 83 patients completed the questionnaires and were analyzed. Clinical, demographic, and socioeconomic data were recorded. Chi‐square test and t test were used for comparisons.
Results
Patients who felt that there was a lack of access to cancer care would have sought treatment earlier had they had better access to cancer care (chi‐square[1] = 32; p < .0001). Patients who felt that there was a lack of access to cancer care also had difficulty receiving treatment (chi‐square[1] = 48; p < .0001). Availability of transportation affected access to cancer care in patients with early‐stage cancers (chi‐square[1] = 4; p < .035).
Conclusion
In the postdisaster environment, patients who felt the lack of access to cancer care post–Hurricane Katrina would have sought treatment earlier with better access to cancer care. These patients also reported difficulty obtaining cancer treatment. Availability of transportation affected access to cancer care in patients with early‐stage cancers. Clinical, demographic, and socioeconomic factors did not influence access to cancer care. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011