Predictors of quality of life among older patients with cancer during treatment.

Abstract

Improving quality of life in older patients with cancer has become an important goal of healthcare providers. The purpose of this study was to identify the predictors of quality of life among older patients with cancer, aged 60 years and over during the treatment period. A descriptive correlational study was conducted among 150 patients. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale, Herth Hope Index and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used. The results showed that the total quality-of-life mean score was 58.50 (SD = 7.44), indicating low overall quality of life. The social-family well-being subscale had the highest mean (20.50, SD = 3.79) among all subscales of quality of life, while the emotional well-being subscale had the lowest mean (8.06, SD = 4.23). Hope and educational level had statistically significant positive relationships with all subscales of quality of life. However, anxiety was associated negatively with physical, social-family and functional well-being subscales, but positively with the emotional well-being subscale. Anxiety, income, marital status, health insurance, duration of treatment, educational level, gender and hope were identified as predictors of quality-of-life subscales. The results could help to develop specific programmes that may improve quality of life among older patients with cancer during treatment.