Factors influencing the quality of life of cancer patients with bone metastasis

Abstract

Objective To investigate factors influencing the quality of life (QOL) of cancer patients with bone metastases. Methods Eighty-two cancer patients with hone metastasis were investigated.A questionnaire designed according to European Organization for Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire ( EORTC QLQ-C30),Monroe Dunaway Anderson symptom inventory-Chinese edition (MADSI-C) and hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) standards was used to collect the information. Results The average total standardized QOL score of these cancer patients was 53.28±19.20.Among the function subscales,social function got the lowest average score (47.54),while among the symptom subscales fatigue got the highest average score (56.65).According to the MDASI-C,the most serious symptom burdens were fatigue,distress and pain; working and walking experienced the most interference.The symptom burdens correlated significantly with the QOL results.Twenty-four of the patients (29.3％) had been diagnosed with anxiety,and 17 (20.7％) were diagnosed with depression.Anxiety and depression continued to be significantly associated with overall QOL and its various dimensions. Conclusions The results show that the burden of fatigue and pain,as well as of anxiety and depression are significantly associated with impaired QOL among cancer patients with bone metastasis.Work (housework) and walking were the most severely affected activities.Psychological rehabilitation should be focused on the comprehensive treatment of patients with bone metastasis along with other appropriate rehabilitation strategies to enhance their overall functioning,relieve their symptoms and improve their QOL. Key words: Cancer; Metastasis; Symptom burden; Emotional status; Quality of life; Influencing factors