Considering the high prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms experiences by cancer patients, it is crucial to integrate the psychosocial care into clinical oncology services. However, little is known about how Puerto Rican cancer patients, a Hispanic sub-ethnicity, prefer such care. Thus, the purpose of this study was to observe, the use, satisfaction and preferences of mental health services (MHS) among a sample of Puerto Rican cancer patients under oncology treatment (n=70). The study follows a a cross-sectional descriptive research design. Participants were recruited in community oncology clinics, cancer fund raising events and community-based organization providing support to cancer patients. After signing informed consent, participants were given a self report survey that took approximately 15 minutes to complete. Descriptive and chi-square analyses were performed using SPSS statistical package version 20. Preliminary data analysis shows a significant relationship between age and mental health service utilization at present X2(12, N=70) =68.05, p<.001; and age and mental health service utilization in the past X2(18, N=70) =46.23, p<.001. As such, 87.5% of those utilizing MHS at present were 45 Y/O and younger and 75% of those who utilized MHS in the past were between ages 21-60. Also, data shows that the study participants prefer receiving mental health services at the oncology clinic (48%), with appointments that coincide with their oncology-medical appointments (58%) and during the morning (49%). Detailed description about mental health care preference and utilizations will be further discussed. Findings suggest potential gaps in the utilization of mental health services among Puerto Rican cancer patients over 60 years of age. Future studies should consider identifying potential utilization and access barriers among this population. Also, the preliminary findings supports the integration of mental health services within the clinical community oncology practice.

Citation Format: Eida M. Castro, Normarie Torres, Wallesca P. Castro, Julio C. Jimenez. Importance, preference and satisfaction of menatal health services among a sample of Puerto Rican cancer patients. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Ninth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2016 Sep 25-28; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017;26(2 Suppl):Abstract nr C08.

©2017 American Association for Cancer Research.
2017
American Association for Cancer Research.