Optimal cancer pain management can be obstructed by many factors including a patient’s decision not to take pain medicine when aversive side effects may limit their work or other daily activities. We conducted a random digit-dialing telephone interview with 302 community residents to assess their preferences for cancer pain health states and related side effects. Using a numerical scale (0=death to 100=perfect health), participants were asked to rate 6 side effects associated with cancer pain medicine. Respondents were also asked about their willingness to take the strongest pain medications available like morphine. Table 1 summarizes the respondents’ preference scores for each side effect. We found that respondents considered all side effects to be aversive, yet, 77% of the final study sample would still be willing take the strongest pain medication for achieving optimal analgesia. Overall, these findings indicate that community respondents’ willingness to take strong medications like morphine for cancer pain was not strongly influenced by aversive side effects. These results may differ with a cancer patient population.
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Table 1. Mean Preference Scores of Side Effects Related to Cancer Pain Treatment |
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Respondent’s Characteristics |
Constipation |
Confusion |
Dry Mouth |
Nausea |
Sleepiness |
Vomiting |
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Ethnicity a) Hispanic b) Non - Hispanic |
59 65 |
48 49 |
61 71 |
57 53 |
58 66 |
44 46 |
|
Gender a) Male b) Female |
65 63 |
53 45 |
72 65 |
60 49 |
67 62 |
51 42 |
|
Health Status a) Good b) Poor |
65 62 |
49 47 |
72 63 |
54 53 |
67 59 |
45 46 |
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the values (preferences) that community members have toward health states related to cancer pain management. 2. List the three most aversive side effects that can impede effective pain management. 3. Identify two methods to educate diverse cultural and ethnic groups about achieving a balance between optimal cancer pain analgesia and tolerble side effects.
Keywords: Cancer, Students
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.