Health-Related Quality of Life and Its Associated Factors in Prostate Cancer Patients Who Receive Androgen Deprivation Therapy.

Abstract

Presently, few studies have examined the impact of positive thinking on the HRQoL of prostate cancer patients who receive androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). We explored the factors that affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL), particularly positive thinking, of prostate cancer patients who receive ADT. A cross-sectional design was used. A total of 132 prostate cancer patients, drawn from outpatient clinics of 2 medical centers, who were receiving ADT were included. Structured questionnaires, including a basic information sheet, the Positive Thinking Scale, Social Support Scale, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate (FACT-P), were used for data collection. Statistical analysis was performed by using independent-sample t tests, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression. Prostate cancer patients who were receiving ADT were more likely to engage in positive thinking, which was correlated with better social/family well-being, emotional well-being, functional well-being, prostate cancer concern, and a higher score on the FACT-P. Improved self-reported health status was correlated better with all subdimensions of HRQoL and better scores on the FACT-P. Greater social support was correlated with high social/family well-being. Positive thinking, self-reported health status, and social support are important associated factors of HRQoL in prostate cancer patients who receive ADT. Oncology nurses can improve HRQoL by improving positive thinking, self-reported health status, and social support of prostate cancer patients who receive ADT.