Abstract
Method
A prospective survey of a population-based sample of 763 colorectal cancer patients assessed socio-demographic variables,
health behaviors, optimism, threat appraisal, and perceived social support at 5 months post-diagnosis as predictors of QOL
and psychological distress 5 years post-diagnosis.
health behaviors, optimism, threat appraisal, and perceived social support at 5 months post-diagnosis as predictors of QOL
and psychological distress 5 years post-diagnosis.
Results
QOL improved over time (P < 0.01 for each measure); however, measures of psychological distress remained stable (P > 0.07 for each measure). Risk factors for poorer QOL and/or greater psychological distress included: later stage disease,
having a permanent stoma, rectal cancer, fatigue, smoking, being single, low social support, low optimism, and a more negative
cancer threat appraisal. Being women, having a pet, having a private health insurance, and receiving both surgery and adjuvant
treatment were protective.
having a permanent stoma, rectal cancer, fatigue, smoking, being single, low social support, low optimism, and a more negative
cancer threat appraisal. Being women, having a pet, having a private health insurance, and receiving both surgery and adjuvant
treatment were protective.
Conclusion
Consistent with response shift theory, the antecedents of QOL after colorectal cancer are multifactorial and include predisposing
socio-demographic, medical, and psychological variables. Psychosocial interventions that target both social support and threat
appraisal may be effective for this patient group. Additional stepped-up support may be needed for people from a poorer social
environment who have multiple risk factors for poorer adjustment. Health system effects require further investigation.
socio-demographic, medical, and psychological variables. Psychosocial interventions that target both social support and threat
appraisal may be effective for this patient group. Additional stepped-up support may be needed for people from a poorer social
environment who have multiple risk factors for poorer adjustment. Health system effects require further investigation.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-14
- DOI 10.1007/s11136-011-0067-5
- Authors
- Suzanne K. Chambers, Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
- Xingqiong Meng, Viertel Centre for Research in Cancer Control, Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Pip Youl, Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
- Joanne Aitken, Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
- Jeff Dunn, Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
- Peter Baade, Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
- Journal Quality of Life Research
- Online ISSN 1573-2649
- Print ISSN 0962-9343