Distress and Emotional Support Needs of Patients With Stage IV Cancer and Their Partners: A Biopsychosocial Assessment

BACKGROUND: Cancer diagnosis, particularly at advanced stages, affects both patients and their primary caregivers, often resulting in emotional distress. AIMS: To assess and compare distress levels in patients newly diagnosed with stage IV cancer and their partners and identify psychosocial support needs. METHODS: In this prospective study, patients and their partners from a public hospital in Brazil completed the SupportScreen-Couples Distress questionnaire, assessing emotional and physical symptoms, relationship issues, and concerns about diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and end-of-life. Paired t-tests compared distress levels between patients and partners. RESULTS: A total of 128 participants were included, consisting of 64 patients with stage IV cancer and their partners. The findings revealed significant differences in distress levels between patients and partners. Patients reported higher distress in areas such as fatigue (42.1% vs. 29.7%, p = 0.02), worries about the future (28.1% vs. 20.3%, p = 0.08), sleep problems (28.1% vs. 20.3%, p = 0.07), and feelings of depression (26.6% vs. 15.6%, p = 0.03). In contrast, partners experienced higher distress related to anxiety (37.5% vs. 28.1%, p < 0.01) and financial concerns (25.1% vs. 17.2%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The study highlights the distinct emotional burdens faced by both patients and their partners. While patients are primarily distressed by physical symptoms and future uncertainties, partners are more concerned with caregiving demands and financial strain. These findings emphasize the need for integrated psychosocial support that addresses both patient and partner needs to improve emotional well-being and care outcomes.