2767 - Counting the Cost: An Observational Study on Exploring Financial Toxicity and Its Determinants among Cancer Patients

Y. S. Anap, C. Patil, and V. Nikte; Kolhapur Cancer Centre, Kolhapur, India

Purpose/Objective(s): In the realm of cancer care, the toll extends beyond physical and emotional strain to include substantial financial burdens. This paper embarks on an exploration of financial toxicity among cancer patients, employing observational study methods to delve into the determinants shaping these economic challenges. By uncovering key factors, we aim to inform targeted interventions to alleviate the financial burden associated with cancer treatment. Materials/

Methods: The study was conducted at single cancer institute over a nine-month period, from May 2023 to January 2024, involving 250 cancer patients. Financial toxicity was assessed using the COST scale, while quality of life was evaluated using the WHO BREF scale. Statistical analysis, including the Wald’s method of logistic regression analysis, was utilized to identify determinants affecting financial toxicity among the participants.
Results: The subjects, predominantly female (52.00%), had a mean age of 54.94 years (±13.51 SD). A portion of 30.40% presented with metastatic conditions, while 59.60% exhibited ECOG scores of 3 or 4. Regarding financial toxicity, 26.8% encountered Grade 1, 60.8% Grade 2, and 5.6% Grade 3, with the remaining subjects reporting no financial toxicity. The analysis unveiled statistically significant correlations between financial toxicity and education (p = 0.000), annual family income (p = 0.044), functioning scale (p = 0.000), and symptom scale (p = 0.039).
Conclusion: The study reveals a high prevalence of financial toxicity among cancer patients, predominantly Grade 2. Significant correlations were found between financial toxicity and education, annual income, physical functioning, and symptom severity, emphasizing the need for interventions addressing socioeconomic disparities to alleviate financial burden and enhance patient well-being. Abstract 2767 – Table 1: Logistic Regression analysis of the factors affecting financial toxicity [Wald’s Forward Analysis]

Logistic Regression analysis of the factors affecting financial toxicity [Wald’s Forward Analysis]
	Parameters	Beta Coefficient	Standard Error	Wald	P value	Standardized Beta
Nagelkarke’s R Square= 0.331	Education(Literate/ Illiterate)	1.331	.328	16.422	.000	3.785
	Annual Family Income (> 1 Lakh/ <1 Lakh)	-.677	.336	4.049	.044	.508
	Functioning Scale	-.041	.009	20.932	.000	.960
	Symptom Scale	.017	.008	4.272	.039	1.017
	Constant	2.411	.827	8.501	.004	11.150