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Objective To investigate the clinical, psychological, and economic impacts of the initial dressing change timing following peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement in postoperative breast cancer patients. Methods We enrolled a total of 120 patients who underwent PICC placement following breast cancer surgery at a tertiary hospital in Guangzhou between April and October 2023 for this study. Based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, the patients were divided into an observation group and a control group, with each group comprising 60 patients. In the observation group, the first dressing change was performed 48 hours after PICC placement, whereas in the control group it was done within 24 hours post-placement. The primary outcomes assessed included pain intensity at the puncture site during the initial dressing change, occurrence of bleeding at the puncture site within one week, psychological state evaluated using validated scales such as PHQ-9 depression scale and GAD-7 anxiety scale, as well as maintenance frequency and associated costs over a three-week period. Results There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. The observation group exhibited significantly lower pain levels at the puncture site during the initial dressing change, reduced bleeding at the puncture site within one week, and a shorter duration of bleeding compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Moreover, the observation group demonstrated statistically significant decreases in depression and anxiety scores, as well as maintenance frequency and costs within three weeks post-placement when compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusions The implementation of an early dressing change within 48 hours after PICC catheterization in breast cancer patients undergoing surgery has been demonstrated to effectively ameliorate hemorrhage and discomfort at the puncture site, consequently mitigating patient distress and anxiety. Moreover, this intervention facilitates a decrease in dressing change frequency while reducing financial burdens on patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Loneliness has a significant impact on the physical and psychological well-being of patients with cancer. However, the specific factors contributing to loneliness among patients with cancer within the context of Chinese culture remain poorly understood. Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with loneliness among patients with cancer in China. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling, involving a sample of 205 patients with cancer from a tertiary hospital in Guangzhou, China. Participants completed several validated questionnaires, including the Cancer Loneliness Scale (CLS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Cancer-Related Negative Social Expectations Scale (C-rNSES), and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis was employed to explore the relationships between loneliness and psychosocial factors. Results: The median score for loneliness among patients with cancer was 13, with an interquartile range of 8. The multiple linear stepwise regression analysis revealed that negative social expectations, social support, and depression were significantly associated with loneliness in this population. Collectively, these factors accounted for 50.1% (R 2 =.501) of the variance in loneliness. Conclusions: The findings of this study highlight the importance of addressing negative social expectations and depression and improving social support to prevent or reduce loneliness among patients with cancer. Health care providers should consider these factors when developing interventions aimed at preventing or alleviating loneliness in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]