Predictors of quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer in Iran.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common invasive cancers and is responsible for physical and psychosocial morbidity. Quality of life (QOL) is an important outcome for these patients. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive factors of QOL in patients with CRC. A cross-sectional design was used to assess 110 patients with CRC who referred to Oncology Department of Razi Hospital, Guilan. Data were collected by structured interview with patients and review of medical records. Generic and specific QOL were evaluated by short form-36 and functional assessment of cancer therapy-colorectal, respectively. Generalized linear models identified variables significantly associated with QOL. Out of 110 patients with CRC, 58.2% were men. Mean age of patients was 58.33 ± 12.39 years. Mean of Generic and specific QOL were 70.92 ± 15.56 and 95.72 ± 19.18, respectively. In regression analysis, age, sex, living condition, health insurance, hospitalization frequency, Karnofsky performance status, and co-morbidity were predictors of generic QOL and age, sex, living condition, health insurance, monthly income, family history of CRC, Karnofsky performance status, and co-morbidity were predictors of specific QOL in patients. There are nine socio-demographic and clinical factors that are significant predictors of QOL in patients with CRC which should be considered in treatment and care of patients. The findings of this study should be the target of future research, emphasizing the need for interventional studies that minimize the adverse impact of the disease symptoms on the QOL in patients with CRC.