NCOG-33. IDENTIFYING SELF-EFFICACY DIFFERENCES IN ADULT RARE CNS PATIENTS PARTICIPATING IN A NOVEL WEB-BASED NATURAL HISTORY

A cancer diagnosis can diminish the sense of control and confidence that is essential for self-management of disease-related factors. Perceived control in coping effectively with the negative effects of a diagnosis has been correlated with improved mood, self-regulation, and decreased symptom distress. We looked at the relationship between self-efficacy in managing emotions (SEMEM) and symptom burden and mood-related interference (REM) in patients with rare CNS tumors.

Adult patients (n=166) completed an online survey capturing demographic/clinical characteristics, symptom burden and REM (mood, relations with others, enjoyment of life, scores^³ 2= moderate-severe(M-S)) from the MDASI-BT & MDASI-SP and PROMIS SEMEM (t-scores: low=< 40, high > 60).

Evaluated patients (74% female) had a median age of 45 (19-75). Ependymoma was most common (66%). The time from initial symptoms and surgery was 1-4 years. Low SEMEM was identified in 13%. SEMEM decreased as REM worsened in both locations (Brain: r= -0.61; Spine (r= -0.28). Most brain patients reporting low SEMEM also endorsed M-S REM (93%). Top M-S symptoms among brain patients associated with each SEMEM level included: feeling distressed, sadness, and fatigue. Low SEMEM correlated with a longer time to presenting symptoms among brain patients (r= -0.26) and lower education among spine patients (r=0.29). Interestingly, sex (women 92%) among brain patients was associated with low SEMEM, while high SEMEM patients were more likely to be married (82%). Spine patients not currently on treatment reported high SEMEM.

We found that patients' confidence in managing emotions worsened with severe mood-related interference. Low self-efficacy was linked to prolonged time between symptoms and initial surgery, education, and gender while treatment and marital status were associated with high self-efficacy. Identifying characteristics associated with self-efficacy can lead to targeted behavioral interventions mitigating distress in adjusting to one’s disease.