Health-related quality of life and its correlates among rectal cancer survivors, Northwest of Iran

Abstract

Aim: The objective of this study was to examine the health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and its correlates among rectal cancer survivors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the northwest of Iran. Rectal cancer survivors were selected from teaching hospitals. HRQOL was estimated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire C30. Information about socio-demographic, lifestyle and clinical features of disease was obtained by trained interviewers. Results: A total of 96 patients were included in this study with mean age of 57.31 ± 14.15 years, 54% were male and 59% over 55 years of age. Women performed poorer than men in many dimensions of HRQOL (P < 0.05). Total score of symptoms was higher in those who had a higher stage of the disease. Participants with insufficient physical activity had a lower score in physical and role dimensions and a higher score of pain and fatigue (P < 0.05). In multiple regression models, treatment, stage of disease, and physical activity were important predictive factors of HRQOL. Conclusion: Some clinico-epidemiological factors were associated with a reduced score of HRQOL and its dimensions in this study. Overall, better performance in the presence of a modifiable factor; physical activity, is an opportunity for interventional strategies to improve the HRQOL.