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Factors affecting access to head and neck cancer care after a natural disaster: A post–Hurricane Katrina survey
Author(s) -
Loehn Bridget,
Pou Anna M.,
Nuss Daniel W.,
Tenney Justin,
McWhorter Andrew,
DiLeo Michael,
Kakade Anagha C.,
Walvekar Rohan R.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.21393
Subject(s) - medicine , socioeconomic status , cancer , head and neck cancer , test (biology) , family medicine , environmental health , population , paleontology , biology
Background Our aim was to survey the factors affecting access to cancer care in patients with head and neck cancer after Hurricane Katrina. Methods In this cross‐sectional survey, 207 patients with head and neck cancer were identified post–Hurricane Katrina, but only 83 patients completed the questionnaires and were analyzed. Clinical, demographic, and socioeconomic data were recorded. Chi‐square test and t test were used for comparisons. Results Patients who felt that there was a lack of access to cancer care would have sought treatment earlier had they had better access to cancer care (chi‐square[1] = 32; p < .0001). Patients who felt that there was a lack of access to cancer care also had difficulty receiving treatment (chi‐square[1] = 48; p < .0001). Availability of transportation affected access to cancer care in patients with early‐stage cancers (chi‐square[1] = 4; p < .035). Conclusion In the postdisaster environment, patients who felt the lack of access to cancer care post–Hurricane Katrina would have sought treatment earlier with better access to cancer care. These patients also reported difficulty obtaining cancer treatment. Availability of transportation affected access to cancer care in patients with early‐stage cancers. Clinical, demographic, and socioeconomic factors did not influence access to cancer care. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011