Psychosocial and demographic predictors of quality of life in a large sample of cancer patients

Abstract

In recent years, there has been increasing emphasis on understanding how the cancer experience affects individuals' quality of life (QOL). The goal of this study was to assess the QOL and to identify psychosocial predictors of QOL among a large sample of patients with a variety of cancers. Specifically, we assessed the unique contribution of demographic variables, medical variables, and social support on patients' QOL and psychological adjustment. Three hundred and fifty-one participants completed measures of social support, depression, anxiety, and QOL at their follow-up medical visits. Analyses indicated that patients who were older and had better social support reported less anxiety (p<0.001), and patients who were older, married or who had more social support reported less depressive symptoms (p<0.01). Men, individuals whose cancer had not recurred, and those not undergoing active treatment reported better QOL in the physical health domain (p<0.05). Patients who were older, married, with more formal education, less advanced disease, and better social support reported better QOL in the mental health domain (p<0.05). Demographic variables (age, gender, marital status, education) were generally associated with measures of adjustment and QOL whereas medical variables (time since diagnosis, recurrence status, treatment variables, stage of disease) were not. Patients with more support reported less anxiety and depression and better QOL in the mental health domain, independent of demographic and medical variables. Assessing patients' level of social support may help to identify patients at risk for distress.

Sexual Self Schema as a Moderator of Sexual and Psychological Outcomes for Gynecologic Cancer Survivors

“…As noted above, previous studies have found gynecologic cancer survivors to be at particularly high risk for emotional distress (Parker et al, 2003), with high rates of depressive symptoms (Kornblith et al, 1995). In a review of studies using DSM-IV criteria, Thompson and Shear (1998) reported that as many as 23% had major depressive disorder; our data were consistent, with 10% having symptoms suggestive of major depression and another 9% with subclinical symptomatology.…”

“…In fact, women with gynecologic cancers might be at higher risk for psychological distress than other cancer samples. Parker, Baile, De Moor, and Cohen (2003) interviewed breast, gastrointestinal, gynecologic, and urologic cancer survivors (N = 351), and gynecologic patients reported the highest levels of depressive symptoms.…”

Patients’ perception of cancer-related fatigue: results of a survey to assess the impact on their everyday life

“…No differences were found either in pain or in fatigue, but prevalence rates for depression were higher in women [14]. The assessment of cancer symptoms has subjective components linked to gender, psychological and social aspects [15][16][17]. Even so, fatigue remained the most limiting cancer side effect or symptom for both genders.…”

A prospective study on educational level and adaptation to cancer, within one year after the diagnosis, in an older population

“…Consequently, the impact on QoL may differ between individuals, depending on their medical status and psychosocial resources. While psychosocial resources such as personality, social support, role differences and dyadic coping have been examined as predictors of QoL in cancer patients [17][18][19], far less attention has been paid to the relation between SES and QoL following diagnosis.…”