Factors predicting quality of life among patients with cervical spondylosis undergoing acupuncture in China: a cross-sectional study.

Background: The quality of life (QoL) of individuals with cervical spondylosis (CS) can be impaired due to both physical discomfort and psychological harm. Acupuncture is known to be an effective treatment approach for CS; however, the relevant factors affecting QoL in this patient population remain unclear.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess QoL and investigate related factors among patients with CS undergoing acupuncture.

Methods: A predictive correlational study was conducted among 265 participants with CS undergoing acupuncture as part of routine clinical care. The following questionnaires were used to collect data on QoL and related factors: healthy lifestyle questionnaire (HLQ), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Chinese version of the perceptual stress scale (CPSS), self-rated abilities for health practices scale (SRAHP), social support rating scale (SSRS), cervical spine disease health knowledge awareness questionnaire and 12-item short form survey (SF-12). Standard multiple linear regression analysis was applied to determine the predictors of QoL in this patient population.

Results: The mean total score of the QoL scale was 37.8 ± 10.57 (mean ± SD), indicating moderate QoL levels among patients with CS undergoing acupuncture. Based on multiple regression, lifestyle (β = 0.25, p < 0.01), health behavior (β = 0.379, p < 0.01), social support (β = 0.098, p < 0.01), knowledge about CS (β = 0.107, p < 0.01) and PSQI scores (β = -0.196, p < 0.001) explained 71% of the variance of QoL.

Conclusion: Lifestyle, health behavior, social support and knowledge about CS significantly and positively predict the level of QoL, while PSQI scores negatively predicted QoL.