Psychosocial correlates of appointment keeping in immigrant cancer patients.

Overview

This study aims to determine the psychosocial correlates of self-reported adherence to cancer treatment appointments and treatment delays and interruptions. The sample included 622 immigrant cancer patients from New York City. Patients completed a survey that included sociodemographic and health-related questions, questions assessing missed appointments and delays/or interruptions, and quality of life and depression scales. After controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, having a positive depression screen and poor physical and emotional well-being were significant predictors of missed appointments and delays and/or interruptions of treatment. Non-adherence to treatment appointments in immigrant cancer patients is a complex outcome related to important modifiable or treatable factors.