Factors affecting the quality of life of gastric cancer survivors

BACKGROUND: The number of gastric cancer survivors has been increasing, and such survivors experience various changes in their lives post-recovery. Adapting to these changes requires appropriate interventions that can improve their quality of life (QoL). This study was conducted to investigate the factors affecting the QoL of gastric cancer survivors and provide basic data for effective intervention. METHODS: Data were collected between September 8 and September 29, 2017, from the Gastric Cancer Center at a tertiary hospital. Questionnaire surveys were conducted using the EORTC QLQ-C30/STO22, Self-Efficacy-Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Quality of Life-Cancer Survivors Questionnaire on gastric cancer survivors who were followed up for 3 years after gastrectomy. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 136 gastric cancer survivors completed the questionnaire survey. There were significant positive correlations of QoL with self-efficacy, functional status, and social support (r = .35, p < .001; r = .53, p < .001; r = .26, p < .001, respectively). There were significant negative correlations of QoL with general symptoms (r = − .39, p < .001) and gastric cancer-specific symptoms (r = − .51, p < .001). The regression model explained 48.3% of the QoL, and the affecting factors were gastric cancer-specific symptoms (β = − .397, p < .001), religious belief (β = .299, p < .001), functional status (β = .251, p = .003), and self-efficacy (β = .191, p = .004). CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that gastric cancer-specific symptoms, spiritual well-being, self-efficacy, and functional status affect the QoL of gastric cancer survivors. Hence, these factors should be considered in the interventions to improve the QoL of gastric cancer survivors.