scholarly journals Frequency of Sexual Problems and Related Psychosocial Characteristics in Cancer Patients—Findings From an Epidemiological Multicenter Study in Germany

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Svenja Heyne ◽  
Peter Esser ◽  
Kristina Geue ◽  
Michael Friedrich ◽  
Anja Mehnert-Theuerkauf
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Psychosocial Factors ◽  
Multicenter Study ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sexual Problems ◽  
Significant Difference

BackgroundMultimodal cancer treatments are often associated with sexual problems. Identifying patients with sexual problems could help further elucidate serious issues with their sexuality and thus promote or maintain patients’ sexual health. We aimed to assess the occurrence of sexual problems in patients across different tumor locations and to explore associated sociodemographic, medical and psychosocial factors.MethodsWe included 3,677 cancer patients (mean age 58 years, age range 18–75 years, 51.4% women) from a large epidemiological multicenter study in Germany on average 13.5 months after cancer diagnosis. The occurrence and frequency of sexual problems were assessed via a binary item on the problem checklist of the Distress Thermometer (DT). Controlled associations of these problems with sociodemographic, medical and psychosocial factors including distress (DT), anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), quality of life (EORTC-QLQ-C30), and social support (SSUK-8) are analyzed using logistic regression analysis.ResultsWe found that 31.8% of patients reported sexual problems, with a significant higher proportion in men (40.5%) compared to women (23.7%), OR 2.35, 95% CI [1.80–3.07] and a higher proportion in patients with a partner (35.6%) compared to those without a partner (3.5%), OR 2.83, 95% CI [2.17–3.70]. Tumor location was associated with occurrence of sexual problems: patients with cancer, affecting the male genital organs had the highest chance for sexual problems, OR 2.65, 95% CI [1.18–3.95]. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of sexual problems between age groups OR 0.99, 95% CI [2.13–3.53] and type of therapy (e.g., operation OR 0.91, 95% CI [0.72–1.15]). Sexual problems were further associated with elevated levels of anxiety, OR 1.05, 95% CI [1.02–1.10], less social support, OR 0.93, 95% CI [0.90–0.97] and lower quality of life in terms of impaired functioning (e.g., social function, OR 0.99, 95% CI [0.99–1.00]).ConclusionsSexual problems are commonly reported by patients. Male patients and those living with a partner are more likely to report sexual problems. Sexual problems are associated with different aspects of well-being. The findings imply the practical relevance to screen for sexual problems among patients and identified groups that should be particularly monitored.

Comprehensive Assessment of the Elderly Cancer Patient: The Feasibility of Self-Report Methodology

2002 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 770-775 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally S. Ingram ◽  
Pearl H. Seo ◽  
Robert E. Martell ◽  
Elizabeth C. Clipp ◽  
Martha E. Doyle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Younger Patients

PURPOSE: Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) has aided the medical community greatly in understanding the quality-of-life issues and functional needs of older patients. With its professional team assessment approach, however, CGA may be time consuming and costly. The goal of the present study was to assess the ability of cancer patients to complete a self-administered CGA and then to characterize cancer patients across multiple domains and age groups. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred sixty-six male outpatient oncology patients at the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center were asked to fill out a survey assessing 10 domains (demographics, comorbid conditions, activities of daily living, functional status, pain, financial well being, social support, emotional state, spiritual well-being, and quality of life). RESULTS: Seventy-six percent of the patients who received their surveys and kept their appointments returned the assessment tool. Older oncology patients had significantly less education (P < .0001), income (P = .05), frequent exercise (P = .01), and chance of being disease free (P = .003) than younger patients. Other findings in older patients were a higher rate of marriage (P = .02), more difficulty in taking medications (P = .05), and less cigarette (P = .03) and alcohol (P = .03) use. Members of all age cohorts reported a sense of social support, with younger patients deriving this more from family and friends than older patients, and older patients deriving social support more from membership in religious communities than younger patients. No differences were found across age groups for number and impact of comorbid illnesses, number of medications, basic and instrumental activities of daily living, pain, overall health rating, financial adequacy, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. CONCLUSION: CGA can be conducted in an outpatient cancer community using a self-report format. Despite the fact that this population varied demographically across age groups and is limited to veterans, this study demonstrated remarkable similarities between younger and older cancer patients in terms of functional status, health states, and quality of life.

scholarly journals Older Patients Are Less Affected by Radiochemotherapeutic Treatment than Younger

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Max J. Weiling ◽  
Wencke Losensky ◽  
Katharina Wächter ◽  
Teresa Schilling ◽  
Fabian Frank ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Normative Data ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
German Population ◽  
Younger Patients ◽  
Significant Difference

Purpose. The general assumption is that cancer therapy impairs the quality of life in elderly patients more than in younger ones. We were interested in the effects of radiochemotherapeutic treatment on the quality of life of elderly patients compared to younger patients and compared to normative data of a general German population. Methods and Materials. A total of 465 patients completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Repetitive completion of the questionnaire over time led to 1407 datasets. Our patient cohort contained 197 (42.4%) patients with colorectal cancer followed by 109 (23.4%) patients with head and neck cancer, 43 (9.2%) patients with lung cancer, and 116 (25%) with other types of cancer. Patients were categorized into five age groups, the respective cut-offs being 40, 50, 60, and 70 years. Normative data were drawn from a population study of a general German population. Results. Functional scores and symptom scores were approximately stable between the different age groups. Our data does not suggest a significant difference between the investigated age groups. Advancing age evened out the differences between the normative data of the general German population and the cancer patients in 11 of 15 scores. Conclusions. The general belief about younger patients having fewer physical and psychological problems related to radiochemotherapy needs to be reconsidered. Overall resilience of older patients is apparently underestimated.

Impact of yoga on quality of life for young adult noncurative cancer patients: A pilot study.

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 249-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Keats ◽  
Hillary Woodside ◽  
S. Nicole Culos-Reed
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Cancer Patient ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Body Awareness ◽  
Hatha Yoga ◽  
Significant Difference

249 Background: A growing body of evidence is emerging to suggest that the practice of yoga can improve disease and treatment-related side effects in the non-curative cancer patient by addressing their physical, psychological, and spiritual needs. Regrettably, the literature regarding the positive benefits of yoga for the young adult (YA) non-curative cancer patient is limited. Accordingly, the purpose of this ongoing exploratory study is to examine the feasibility and safety of a 7-week home/hospice based instructive Hatha yoga intervention (Yoga Thrive - available on DVD) in non-curative, YA cancer patients. Secondary outcomes include the examination of the efficacy of yoga in mitigating cancer and treatment-related side effects through ratings of self-reported quality of life (QOL). Methods: A single-arm, non-randomized, pre and post-test, pilot investigation of a 7-week instructive home/hospice-based Hatha yoga program is currently ongoing. Pre/post program data include measures of QOL, specific to palliative disease and spiritual domains as well as open-ended measures of perceived program value. Feasibility data (e.g., recruitment, adherence, safety) are also collected. Results: To date, four YA non-curative cancer patients have participated in the 7-week yoga program. Preliminary data show a significant difference in both functional well-being (p= .047, ηp2= 0.78) and spirituality (FACIT-Sp) scores (p= 0.04, ηp2= 0.77). Although not statistically significant, a large effect in physical well-being (ηp2= 0.38); general cancer outcomes (FACT-G) (ηp2= 0.42); and palliative specific scores (ηp2= 0.62) have also emerged. Early responses to the post-program exit questions suggest that participants find the program as an opportunity for self-care, separate from traditional cancer therapies. Subjective improvements in flexibility and mindfulness (e.g., body awareness, relaxation, and calmness) have also been reported. Additionally, participants have complemented the program for its ease and flexibility of use. Conclusions: Early findings of this study provide support for the feasibility and efficacy of a home/hospice-based yoga program for YA non-curative cancer patients.

scholarly journals Sex and Age Differences in Levels of Anomia of Latvian Inhabitants

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 567 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeļena Ļevina ◽  
Kristīne Mārtinsone ◽  
Daiga Kamerāde
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Age Differences ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Demographic Groups ◽  
The Third ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Sex And Age Differences

<p><em>Anomia is one of the important factors, which can influence the psychological well-being of individuals. It is especially valuable to determine those socio-demographic groups which can demonstrate the highest levels of anomia. The purpose of the research was to determine whether there are sex and age differences in levels of anomia of Latvian inhabitants. The secondary data from the third European Quality of Life Survey (EQLS) were used. The sample consisted of Latvian inhabitants (n = 1009), aged from 18 to 92 years (male – 34.9%, female – 65.1%). 3 indices and 3 subscales of anomia (Social Distrust, Social Isolation and Meaninglessness) were constructed (</em><em>Ļevina, Mārtinsone &amp; </em><em>Kamerāde, 2015a, 2015b). </em><em>A multivariate analysis of variance was conducted. It was found that there was a significant difference in multidimensional anomia between Latvian inhabitants of different age groups.</em></p><p> </p>

scholarly journals FACTORS AFFECTING QUALITY OF LIFE AND LEVEL OF SOCIAL SUPPORT IN CANCER PATIENTS

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 54-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayse Berivan BAKAN ◽  
Asuman GURAKSIN
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Global Quality ◽  
Quality Of Life Scale ◽  
Global Quality Of Life

Background: When people face health problems, their life satisfaction levels and social relations could be ruined. When it comes to an eerie, deadly and chronic disease like cancer, the individual is much more likely to be affected by it.Objective: This descriptive study aims to identify quality of life and level of social support and the affecting factors in cancer patients.Methods: The sample included 170 patients who applied to Internal Diseases, Radiation Oncology, Thorax diseases clinics and Chemotherapy polyclinic in a university hospital in Turkey between March and August, 2005, who met the research criteria, and who volunteered to participate in the study. The sample represented 20 % of the target population. Data were collected through SF-36 Quality of Life Scale and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support.Results: The patients’ Global Quality of Life mean score was found 38.67 ± 13.64, and mean score for the Perceived Social Support was found 59.19 ± 17.5. Global Quality of Life score was higher in those who underwent an operation and who received ambulatory health care. Although Global Quality of Life was not influenced by the gender variable, male patients’ level of well-being was found to be higher. Perceived Social Support total score was found to be higher in those who knew about their disease. Family support was found to be higher in those who were married and who lived in town; it was found to be low in those who had low socio-economic level and who received inpatient treatment. Friend support was found to be high in those who knew about their disease.Conclusion: There was a linear relationship between Perceived Social Support and Quality of Life. It is recommended that more studies with wider groups of participants would shed more light to the issue of identifying quality of life, social support level and the relationships between them in cancer patients.

Bladder cancer caregiver quality of life and patient cancer severity.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (6_suppl) ◽  
pp. 456-456
Author(s):  
Kathryn Gessner ◽  
Sean McCabe ◽  
Pauline Filippou ◽  
Hannah McCloskey ◽  
Judy Hamad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Bladder Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Private Life ◽  
Disease Stage ◽  
Cancer Caregivers ◽  
The Impact

456 Background: Bladder cancer patients’ care is often managed by caregivers, yet caregiving can create a physiologic and emotional burden that compromises the caregivers’ own quality of life (QOL). Our objective was to determine the impact of disease stage on caregiver QOL among a large national cohort of bladder cancer patients. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional survey of bladder cancer caregivers using the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network Patient Survey Network and Inspire platforms to determine caregiver QOL using the CareGiver QOL questionnaire (CarGOQoL). Caregivers were also queried regarding demographic, socioeconomic and clinical characteristics of their loved one. We present descriptive statistics and a multiple linear regression model to identify factors independently associated with QOL domain score. Results: 132 respondents self-identified as caregivers of patients with bladder cancer. Among respondents, 85% were a spouse, 86% were female, and 97% were white. The mean age was 63 years (range 34 to 72 years) and 73% of respondents completed college. The highest cancer stage for patients was non-invasive in 42%, muscle-invasive in 33%, and metastatic in 24%. On bivariable analysis, stage was associated with leisure and social support but was not associated with global QOL, psychologic or physical well-being, burden, relationship with healthcare, administration and finances, coping, self-esteem or private life. However, on multivariable analysis controlling for age, race, years since diagnosis, and comorbidity, stage was significantly associated with Caregiver QOL (p=0.04). Conclusions: Disease stage significantly impacts QOL among bladder cancer caregivers. As the caregiver is increasingly considered as a stakeholder in survivorship efforts, future interventions should consider targeting social support among caregivers of patients with advanced bladder cancer.

scholarly journals Impact of social support on psychosocial symptoms and quality of life in cancer patients: results of a multilevel model approach from a longitudinal multicenter study

2019 ◽  
Vol 58 (9) ◽  
pp. 1298-1306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Sauer ◽  
Joachim Weis ◽  
Hermann Faller ◽  
Florian Junne ◽  
Klaus Hönig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Multicenter Study ◽  
Multilevel Model ◽  
Model Approach

scholarly journals The Association of Sources of Support, Types of Support and Satisfaction with Support Received on Perceived Stress and Quality of Life of Cancer Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 153473542199490
Author(s):  
Iván Ruiz-Rodríguez ◽  
Isabel Hombrados-Mendieta ◽  
Anabel Melguizo-Garín ◽  
Mª José Martos-Méndez
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Multidimensional Analysis ◽  
Informational Support ◽  
Cancer Data ◽  
The Family

Introduction: The aim of the present study is to carry out a multidimensional analysis of the relationship of social support with quality of life and the stress perceived by cancer patients. Methods: The participants were 200 patients with cancer. Data was gathered on sociodemographic characteristics, health, quality of life, social support and perceived stress. Results: Frequency of and satisfaction with different sources and types of support are related positively with improvement of quality of life and negatively with perceived stress. The emotional support from the partner and the emotional and informational support from the family are significant predictors of quality of life. Emotional support from the family reduces patients’ perceived stress. Satisfaction with emotional support from the partner and with the informational support from friends and family increases quality of life. Satisfaction with emotional support from the family and with informational support from friends decreases patients’ perceived stress. Instrumental support and support provided by health professionals are not good predictors of quality of life and perceived stress. Satisfaction with the support received is more significantly related with quality of life and stress than the frequency with which the sources provide support. Conclusions: These results have important practical implications to improve cancer patients’ quality of life and reduce their perceived stress through social support. Designing intervention strategies to improve satisfaction with the support provided to patients by their closest networks results in a global benefit for the patient’s quality of life.

Current measures of distress may not account for what's most important in existential care interventions: Results of the outlook trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 648-657
Author(s):  
Karen E. Steinhauser ◽  
Karen M. Stechuchak ◽  
Katherine Ramos ◽  
Joseph Winger ◽  
James A. Tulsky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Primary Analysis ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Spiritual Well Being ◽  
Screening For Distress ◽  
Secondary Outcomes ◽  
Stage Renal Disease

AbstractObjectiveCompare the efficacy of two interventions addressing emotional and existential well-being in early life-limiting illness.MethodPrimary trial analysis (n = 135) included patients with advanced cancer, congestive heart failure, or end-stage renal disease; Arm 1 received the Outlook intervention, addressing issues of life completion and preparation, and Arm 2 received relaxation meditation (RM). Primary outcomes at five weeks (primary endpoint) and seven weeks (secondary): completion and preparation (QUAL-E); secondary outcomes: anxiety (POMS) quality of life (FACT-G) and spiritual well-being (FACIT-Sp) subscales of faith, meaning, and peace.ResultsAverage age was 62; 56% were post-high school-educated, 54% were married, 52% white, 44% female, and 70% had a cancer diagnosis. At baseline, participants demonstrated low levels of anxiety (<5 on POMS subscale) and depression (<10 on CESD) relative to population norms. Results of the primary analysis revealed no significant differences in mean Preparation by treatment arm at five weeks (14.4 Outlook vs. 14.8 RM; between-group difference −0.4 [95% CI, −1.6, 0.8], p = 0.49) or seven weeks (15.2 vs.15.4; between-group difference −0.2 [95% CI, −1.5, 1.0], p = 0.73). There were also no significant differences in mean Life Completion by treatment arm between five weeks (26.6 Outlook vs. 26.3 RM; between-group difference 0.2 [95% CI, −1.2, 1.7], p = 0.76) or seven weeks (26.5 vs. 27.5; between-group difference −1.0 [95% CI, −2.7, 0.7], p = 0.23). Compared to RM, Outlook participants did not have significant differences over time in the secondary outcomes of overall quality of life, anxiety, depression, FACT-G subscales, and FACIT-Sp subscales.DiscussionIn early-stage life-limiting illness, Outlook did not demonstrate a significant difference in primary or secondary outcomes relative to RM. Results underscore the importance of pre-screening for distress. Qualitatively, Outlook participants were able to express suppressed emotions, place illness context, reflect on adaptations, and strengthen identity. Screening for distress and identifying specified measures of distress, beyond anxiety and depression, is essential in our ability to adequately assess the multi-dimensional mechanisms that decrease existential suffering.

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