Factors associated with quality of life in post-prostatectomy patients with cancer who experience lower urinary tract symptoms: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background: Radical prostatectomy is the standard of care for prostate cancer. Identification of the association between post-operative lower urinary tract symptoms and quality of life (QOL) is critical for enhancing patient self-management.

Aims: This study identified the factors associated with the QOL of patients with cancer post-prostatectomy.

Methods: Participants were patients with lower urinary tract symptoms who had undergone prostatectomy at one of four institutions and had completed the QOL questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and correlations were obtained, and multiple regression analyses were conducted with QOL as the dependent variable.

Results: Except for "personal relationships," the eight sub-domains of QOL in the King's Health Questionnaire were significantly positively correlated with International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) scores. The ICIQ-SF was a predictor of all QOL sub-domains. Marital status and IPSS were associated with "general health perception," "role limitations" were associated with post-operative radiation therapy and cohabitation status, "emotions" were associated with frequent urination/incontinence medication use, and "sleep/energy" was associated with IPSS and post-operative hormone therapy.

Conclusions: Providing anticipatory information to at-risk patients before treatment may reduce post-operative life disturbances. Healthcare providers should ensure seamless coordination and promptly collaborate with specialists post-discharge.