Impacts of Symptom Clusters, Performance and Emotional Status on the Quality of Life of Patients with Gynecologic Cancer

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine impacts of symptom clusters, performance and emotional status on the quality of life of gynecologic cancer patients. METHODS: Subjects completed questionnaires consisting of four measurements: symptom cluster, performance and emotional status, and the quality of life. A total of 104 completed data sets were analyzed by descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and a multiple regression analysis using the SPSS 21.0 program. RESULTS: Fatigue was identified as the most prevalent symptom (77.9%) and sweating (2.08) as the most severe and uncomfortable symptom (1.80). Six symptom clusters, performance status, anxiety and depression were negatively correlated with quality of life. Four symptom clusters were positively correlated with performance status, and six symptom clusters were positively correlated with anxiety and depression. Factors affecting quality of life were abdominal discomfort cluster (β=−0.23, p=0.005), performance status (β=−0.20, p=0.020), and depression (β=−0.42, p < 0.001). The model was statistically significant explaining 42.5% of variance (F=26.369, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings supported that symptom clusters and depression negatively influence the quality of life and need to be addressed as we are caring for patients and promoting quality of life.