Factors Affecting QOL in Patients Receiving Outpatient Chemotherapy

Abstract

Abstract

The aims of the present study were to elucidate the factors affecting QOL in patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy and investigate nursing support that maintains and improves patient QOL. We conducted a questionnaire survey on patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy and received 95 valid responses. The survey investigated attribute and physical factors (severity of side effects), social factors (conditions surrounding support, going out, executing role and tasks at work and home, and interacting with others, including local people, friends and relatives), psychological factors (financial burden and time-constraints imposed by outpatient chemotherapy, and concern about lifestyle while receiving outpatient chemotherapy) and QOL. The Japanese version of FACT-G was used to measure QOL. Nausea, diarrhea, interaction with others, role execution, advice from healthcare professionals and concern about lifestyle while receiving outpatient chemotherapy were found to be significantly correlated with QOL. Multiple regression analysis was then conducted with these six items serving as independent variables and QOL as the dependent variable. A relationship with QOL was observed for interaction with others, role execution and concern regarding lifestyle while receiving outpatient chemotherapy. The more patients interacted with others and performed a useful role in society and the lower the concern regarding lifestyle while receiving outpatient chemotherapy, the higher the QOL. These findings suggest that it is important for nurses to pay attention to and provide support for not only physical aspects but also patients’ social and psychological aspects.