Predictors of quality of life among older patients with cancer during treatment.

Abstract

Background: Improving quality of life in older patients with cancer has become an important goal of healthcare providers.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to identify the predictors of quality of life among older patients with cancer, aged 60 years and over during the treatment period.

Methods: A descriptive correlational study was conducted among 150 patients. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale, Herth Hope Index and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used.

Results: The results showed that the total quality-of-life mean score was 58.50 (SD = 7.44), indicating low overall quality of life. The social-family well-being subscale had the highest mean (20.50, SD = 3.79) among all subscales of quality of life, while the emotional well-being subscale had the lowest mean (8.06, SD = 4.23). Hope and educational level had statistically significant positive relationships with all subscales of quality of life. However, anxiety was associated negatively with physical, social-family and functional well-being subscales, but positively with the emotional well-being subscale. Anxiety, income, marital status, health insurance, duration of treatment, educational level, gender and hope were identified as predictors of quality-of-life subscales.

Conclusions: The results could help to develop specific programmes that may improve quality of life among older patients with cancer during treatment.