Perceptions of COVID-19 and Health Survey in the United States, Cross-sectional study April 2020

Cross-sectional anonymous online survey among individuals with and without cancer in the United States during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic (April 3, 2020 – April 11, 2020). NOTE: To protect the identity of participants, the variables dem_1, dem_3, and dem_17 - which correspond to exact age, transgender status, and state of residence - have been removed from this public data set. Please contact the principal investigator if you require the full data set with these variables included for your research

Perspectives of cancer patients and their health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

IntroductionThe immunosuppressive nature of some cancers and many cancer-directed treatments may increase the risk of infection with and severe sequelae from Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The objective of this study was to compare concerns about COVID-19 among individuals undergoing cancer treatment to those with a history of cancer not currently receiving therapy and to those without a cancer history.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional anonymous online survey study of adults currently residing in the United States. Participants were recruited over a one-week period (April 3-11, 2020) using promoted advertisements on Facebook and Twitter. Groups were compared using chi-squared tests, Fisher's exact tests, and t-tests.Results543 respondents from 47 states provided information on their cancer history and were included in analyses. Participants receiving active treatment reported greater concern about infection from the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (pConclusionsPatients undergoing active treatment for cancer were most concerned about the short-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the logistics as well as potential efficacy of ongoing cancer treatment, longer term effects, and overarching societal concerns that the population at large is not as concerned about the public health implications of SARS-CoV-2 infection