{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Identifying associations between sample characteristics, symptoms, and self-efficacy differences in adult patients with rare tumors of the central nervous system who participated in a novel web-based natural history study.
{Author}: Acquaye-Mallory A;Vera E;Choi A;Wall K;Gilbert MR;Armstrong TS;
{Journal}: Cancer Med
{Volume}: 13
{Issue}: 15
{Year}: 2024 Aug
{Factor}: 4.711
{DOI}: 10.1002/cam4.70017
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>High self-efficacy is associated with improved self-care and reduced symptoms in cancer patients but has not been fully interrogated in adults with central nervous system (CNS) cancers. We aimed to identify the relationship between self-efficacy levels in managing emotions (SEMEM) and social interactions (SEMSI) by examining sample characteristics and symptom burden.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Sample characteristics and patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures addressing self-efficacy (PROMIS SEMEM & SEMSI) and symptom burden (MDASI BT or SP) were collected in a novel web-based study of 158 adult patients diagnosed with rare CNS tumors.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>The sample was predominantly female (73%), diagnosed with an ependymoma (66%), and had a median age of 45 (19-75). Low SEMEM was associated with a longer duration of symptoms before surgery (r = -0.26) and female gender (92%) among brain tumor (BT) participants and in spinal cord tumors (SCT), those with lower education (r = 0.29). Reporting low SEMSI was associated with being married (42%), lower education (r = 0.22), and a prolonged time with symptoms before surgery (r = 0.29) in those with BTs, with no associations identified in SCT. More severe mood-related interference (including mood, enjoyment of life, and relationship with others) was associated with lower SEMEM among both locations (r = -0.61 brain, r = -0.28 spine) and SEMSI in BT participants (r = -0.54).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Low self-efficacy was linked to a prolonged time between symptom onset and initial surgery, education, gender, and marital status and was associated with higher mood-related interference. Understanding characteristics associated with low self-efficacy underscores a need for future studies to tailor interventions that enhance self-efficacy.