Logistic regression analysis of risk factors for the patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy and with difficulty in opening mouth

Abstract

Objective To analyze the risk factors and protective factors of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients having difficulty in opening mouth after radiotherapy,provide effective preventive measures for clinic.Methods From January 2008 to January 2011,156 cases of patients with the same radiotherapy exposure doses received tracking survey,the incidence and level of difficulty in opening mouth were observed,then the relevant factors which might cause the difficulty in opening mouth underwent Logistic regression analysis.Results 67 cases (42.949％) of patients after radiotherapy had difficulty in opening mouth; its degree got worse as the radiotherapy went on.Logistic regression analysis showed that radioactive stomatitis,dermatitis,education degree were the risk factors of difficulty in opening mouth after radiotherapy,a good compliance with functional training were the protective factor of difficulty in opening mouth.Conclusions Patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy have high occurrence of difficulty in opening mouth,so we should take effective prevention and treatment method aiming at the relevant factors,enhance health guidance,and improve functional exercise compliance,then reduce the occurrence of difficulty in opening mouth. Key words: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma; Radiation therapy; Difficulty in opening mouth; Risk factors; Protective factors; Logistic regression analysis