PCN216 Association of Patient Activation with the Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients with Pancreatic Cancer (PwPC)

Abstract

Advanced pancreatic cancer is synonymous with a high mortality rate, debilitating symptom profile, and minimal prolongation in overall survival. Therefore, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is important in patients with pancreatic cancer (PwPC). Studies among chronic conditions suggest that patient activation is positively associated with better health outcomes and higher HRQOL. However, no known study has evaluated patient activation, HRQOL, and their association in PwPC. A 43-item cross-sectional survey assessed patient activation and HRQOL of patients with locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer undergoing chemotherapy at 13 Texas Oncology clinics. Variables were analyzed descriptively, and variable relationships were assessed using bivariate statistics at a significance of p<0.05. 44 patients completed the survey. They had an average age of 71.1±9.5 years, and the majority were females (57.1%), Caucasians (58.5%), had at least a college degree (57.2%), and were married/partnered (61.9%). The majority were at stage 4 (39.0%) and newly diagnosed (46.3%). Mean patient activation was 62.8±18.5 (range 0-100), with most at higher activation stages 3 or 4 (66.7%). Their mean HRQOL score of 42±12.4 (range: 0-72) was low. Higher patient activation was significantly associated with having either private insurance only or multiple insurances and being partnered. Patients that were high school graduates or less or with public insurance were more likely to be at a lower activation level (stages 1 or 2) compared to college graduates and those with multiple insurances. Even though not significant, patients at higher activation levels had higher HRQOL (F=1.9, p=0.16). Patient activation was moderately high and HRQOL was low in PwPC. Initiatives to increase patient activation among PwPC should focus on patients with public insurance, low education level and not partnered. Although no association between patient activation and HRQOL was found, research amongst larger and more diverse samples is warranted.