Is There a Specific Profile of COVID-19 Risk Perception among People with Cancer?A Cross-Sectional Study

Aims:This study aimed to determine if people with cancer(PWC)exhibit a unique COVID-19 risk perception profile and identify psychosocial factors characterizing PWC who do not conform to the majority risk perception profile.Procedure:A cross-sectional online self-questionnaire study was conducted in France from April 25 to May 07,2020,with a sample(n=748)comprising PWC,individuals not currently receiving cancer treatment,and those without a history of cancer.Latent profiles of COVID-19 risk perception(PCRP)were established.Methods:A multivariate multinomial logistic regression was performed to assess the association between cancer status and PCRP membership.Characteristics of PWC across different profiles were compared.Results:Four profiles emerged,ranging from Low-Risk to High-Risk Perceivers.PWC were more likely to belong to the High-Risk Perceivers profile(aOR:3.02;p<0.001).PWC not conforming to this profile had a higher perceived socioeconomic level(PSL)(p<0.05).The majority of PWC demonstrated a specific COVID-19 risk perception profile,mainly influenced by medical knowledge linking cancer to increased COVID-19 severity.PSL was a key determinant in shaping risk perception among PWC.Conclusion:Interventions targeting COVID-19 risk perception modification should consider these factors,with particular emphasis on addressing concerns related to SARS-CoV-2 infection.