Exploratory Study of Impact of Cancer-Related Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms on Diabetes Self-Management among Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Objective

Posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) can be triggered by a diagnosis of a potentially life-threatening illness such as cancer. Little is known about the impact of cancer-related PTSS symptoms on self-management behaviors for comorbid chronic medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods

We recruited patients with DM and a recent diagnosis of early-stage cancer from two medical centers in New York City. Cancer-related PTSS were assessed using the Impact of Events scale (IES, score ≥26). DM self-management behaviors (medication adherence, exercise, healthy diet, and glucose testing) were measured 3 months later. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between cancer-related PTSS symptoms and DM self-management behaviors, adjusting for gender, marital status, and anxiety symptoms.

Results

Of 56 participants recruited, 33% reported cancer-related PTSS symptoms. Elevated cancer-related PTSS symptoms were associated with lack of healthy diet (Odds Ratio [OR]: 0.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01-0.62).

Conclusions

Early-stage cancer survivors with cancer-related PTSS symptoms were less likely to adhere to some DM self-management behaviors. Providers should recognize the impact of cancer-related PTSS symptoms to better support comorbid disease management in cancer survivors.

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