Socioeconomic Factors and Adherence to Health Care Recommendations in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Purpose:

The majority of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors do not receive recommended health care surveillance after therapy. We used cross-sectional survey data to evaluate the impact of income, education, marital status, and insurance on health care adherence among AYA survivors.

Methods:

Eligible survivors were 18–39 years at diagnosis with invasive malignancy, 1–5 years from therapy completion. Online surveys assessed sociodemographic factors and self-report of completion of recommended health care services. Diagnosis and treatment data were abstracted from medical records. Multivariable logistic regression calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for adherence in relation to socioeconomic status and support.

Results:

Of 344 participants, 36% were adherent to at least 80% of recommendations. Adherence varied by cancer type: 34% for breast cancer, 52% for leukemia/lymphoma, 23% for other tumors. Adherence rates were similar among White, Asian, and Hispanic/Latinx patients. Lower adherence was associated with lower education (OR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.23–0.80 for <4-year college degree) and lower annual income (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.28–0.95 for $41,000–$80,000; OR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.19–0.86 for ≤$40,000). Adherence decreased with decreasing income levels among those who were 1 to less than 3 years after diagnosis (OR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.07–0.93 for $81,000–$120,000; OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.07–0.84 for $41,000–$80,000; OR: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.03–0.60 for ≤$40,000).

Conclusion:

Risk of nonadherence to health care guidelines was associated with lower income and lower education among AYA cancer survivors. Identification of these risks and related barriers to adherence in AYA survivors will inform interventions designed to meet needs of these high-risk groups, particularly during the first years after diagnosis. Trial Registration: NCT02192333.