Factors Influencing Quality of Life in Survivors of Head and Neck Cancer: a preliminary study

Abstract

Objectives: Time after diagnosis, survivors of head and neck cancer may perceive a decrease in their quality of life due to suffering from different sequelae. This preliminary study aims to describe which factors influence survivors of head and neck cancer quality of life. Data Sources: A cross-sectional study was performed. Demographic and clinical factors, quality of life (global health status), pain (pressure pain thresholds), physical fitness (overall fitness), functional capacity, and fatigue were evaluated. A multiple regression model was undertaken to check which outcomes could impact quality of life. A total of 53 survivors of head and neck cancer participated in this study. Upper trapezius pres- sure pain threshold, overall fitness, and global fatigue were significant predictors of global health status, and when combined, they explained 42.10% of the variance in the global health status score. Conclusion: Quality of life perceived by survivors of head and neck cancer is influenced by pain, physical fit- ness, and fatigue reported. This association of outcomes may act as a symptom cluster for survivors of head and neck cancer. Implications for Nursing Practice: The knowledge of this symptom cluster may help developing symptom assessment and management strategies and improving quality of life for survivors of head and neck cancer.