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Factors affecting quality of life of older adults with cancer in K orea
Author(s) -
Yoon Hyunsook,
Kim Yojin,
Lim Yeon Ok,
Lee Hyun Joo,
Choi Kyoungwon
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
geriatrics and gerontology international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.823
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1447-0594
pISSN - 1444-1586
DOI - 10.1111/ggi.12378
Subject(s) - medicine , optimism , quality of life (healthcare) , psychological intervention , gerontology , cancer , colorectal cancer , lung cancer , psychiatry , psychology , oncology , social psychology , nursing
Aim The main objective of the present study was to examine the quality of life of older adults with cancer and investigate factors associated with it. Some practical problems experienced by older adults with cancer are introduced, such as changes in work situation, availability of caregivers and financial difficulties relative to medical expenditures. Methods A total of 339 patients aged 65 years or older who were treated for five major cancer diseases – colorectal, stomach, lung, liver or kidney cancer – participated in the present study. The E uropean O rganization for R esearch and T reatment of C ancer Q uality of L ife Q uestionnaire was used to measure the quality of life. P erformance status (physical functioning) was assigned according to the E astern C ooperative O ncology G roup classification. The L ife O rientation T est‐ R evised was used to assess future expectations. The multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors of the quality of life of older persons with cancer. Results The results showed that physical functioning and optimism were significant predictors of all four functions (physical, role, emotional and social function) and global quality of life of older adults with cancer. Nearly 60% experienced changes in work situation and had financial burden on medical costs. Conclusions The findings suggest that efforts to assess physical functioning with more attention and enhance optimism should be emphasized in interventions for older adults with cancer. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15:983–990.