[Factors associated with quality of life in survivors of gestational trophoblastic neoplasm after chemotherapy].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To measure the quality of life (QoL) of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) survivors after chemotherapy by using a self-invented scale, and to explore the factors associated with QoL. METHODS: The design of questionnaire was based on a series of internationally valid QoL scales, which was tested by epidemiology and showed good reliability and validity. A total of 100 survivors of GTN patients from Peking Union Medical College Hospital participated in this survey from December 2008 to May 2009. RESULTS: Patients with disease-free more than three months after chemotherapy enjoys a good QoL, while only 16% (16/100) of survivors feel general overall QoL, but no one feels bad QoL. As refer to sexual function, more than half of these patients (70%, 70/100) satisfied with their sexual life, while there were still 47% (47/100) and 45% (45/100) of the patients complaining of decreased sexual desire and dryness of vagina. 66% (66/100) of the GTN survivors expressed depression, and 50% (50/100) of patients complained anxiety, which were potential factors influencing QoL of GTN survivors. Relevant analysis explored the possible predictors of QoL for GTN patients, including physical function (r = 0.609, P < 0.01), sexual function (r = 0.473, P < 0.01), and social psychology (r = 0.294, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: GTN survivors have an overall good QoL after chemotherapy, the possible predictors of QoL for GTN patients include physical function, sexual function and social psychology. The sexual dysfunctions mostly present with short of sexual desire and dryness of vagina. Fear of recurrence may be a potential factor influencing QoL a long term after remission.