Risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder among young and middle-aged cancer patients in the intensive care unit: A case-control study

BACKGROUND: Young and middle-aged cancer patients in intensive care unit (ICU) often suffer from stress and pressure, causing huge physical and mental damage. Currently, there is few research on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among young and middle-aged cancer patients in ICU in China, and the psychological status of patients who have experienced both cancer development and ICU stay is still unclear. AIM: To explore the risk factors for PTSD in young and middle-aged patients with cancer in ICU. METHODS: Using convenient sampling method, we enrolled 150 young and middle-aged patients with cancer who were admitted to the ICU of our center during the period from July to December 2020. The general data of the patients and PTSD-related indicators were collected. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) was used for assessing PTSD one month after the discharge from the ICU. Binary Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the independent risk factors for PTSD in these patients. RESULTS: Among these 150 patients, 32 (21.33%) were found to be with PTSD. Binary Logistic regression analysis revealed that factors significantly associated with PTSD among young and middle-aged patients with cancer in ICU included monthly income (OR = 0.24, P = 0.02), planned transfers (OR = 0.208, P = 0.019), and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score (OR = 1.171, P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The low monthly income, unplanned transfers, and increased APACHE II score are the risk factors for PTSD in young and middle-aged patients with cancer in ICU.