Asian Oncol Nurs.  2022 Sep;22(3):136-144. 10.5388/aon.2022.22.3.136.

Symptom Experience and Quality of Life in Colorectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

• Lee A
• Park JH

• KMID: 2533971
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5388/aon.2022.22.3.136

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate symptom experience and quality of life (QoL) and to identify the predictors of QoL among colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 107 colorectal cancer patients at a university-affiliated hospital between June 1 and July 30, 2021. Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal (FACT-C), Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form (MSAS-SF) were used to assess symptom experience and QoL of these patients. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation, t-test, ANOVA, and hierarchical multiple regression.
Results
The mean QoL score for colorectal cancer patients was 88.78±20.08. The most frequently experienced physical and psychological symptoms were numbness/tingling and worrying. Physical and psychological symptoms have a significant negative association with QoL. Perceived economic status was significantly associated with QoL in patients’ general characteristics. The regression analyses showed that high psychological symptoms (β=-.63, p<.001), middle perceived economic status (β=-.22, p=.009) and low perceived economic status (β=-.36, p<.001) were statistically significant in predicting patients’ low QoL.
Conclusion
Symptom experience and QoL are essential variables that should be acknowledged when delivering health care to colorectal cancer patients. More attention to the reduction and comprehensive symptom management of psychological distress could improve QoL among colorectal cancer patients.

Keyword

Chemotherapy; Colorectal neoplasms; Quality of life; Symptoms