Health-Related Quality of Life and Its Associated Factors in Prostate Cancer Patients Who Receive Androgen Deprivation Therapy

Abstract

Background Presently, few studies have examined the impact of positive thinking on the HRQoL of prostate cancer patients who receive androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Objectives We explored the factors that affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL), particularly positive thinking, of prostate cancer patients who receive ADT. Methods A cross-sectional design was used. A total of 132 prostate cancer patients, drawn from outpatient clinics of 2 medical centers, who were receiving ADT were included. Structured questionnaires, including a basic information sheet, the Positive Thinking Scale, Social Support Scale, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Prostate (FACT-P), were used for data collection. Statistical analysis was performed by using independent-sample t tests, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression. Results Prostate cancer patients who were receiving ADT were more likely to engage in positive thinking, which was correlated with better social/family well-being, emotional well-being, functional well-being, prostate cancer concern, and a higher score on the FACT-P. Improved self-reported health status was correlated better with all subdimensions of HRQoL and better scores on the FACT-P. Greater social support was correlated with high social/family well-being. Conclusions Positive thinking, self-reported health status, and social support are important associated factors of HRQoL in prostate cancer patients who receive ADT. Implications for Practice Oncology nurses can improve HRQoL by improving positive thinking, self-reported health status, and social support of prostate cancer patients who receive ADT.

Exploring the Positive Thinking of Patients With Prostate Cancer

“…Research on patients with prostate cancer has shown that patients who think positively experience better quality of life. 15 These findings highlight the importance of understanding positive thinking and associated factors in patients with prostate cancer. Few studies, however, have explored the positive thinking of prostate cancer patients and related factors, especially social support, treatment satisfaction, and self-efficacy.…”

“…A study of cancer patients and their caregivers by Hamidou et al 21 showed that patients who are positive thinkers have better mental health-related quality of life than do those who are not. In addition, a study of patients with prostate cancer found that patients who think positively experience better functional well-being, emotional well-being, social/family well-being, and prostate cancer–specific quality of life 15 …”

“…Scholars hold differing views about positive thinking, and some believe that an overemphasis on positive thinking will make cancer patients afraid to express their negative feelings 19 . Nevertheless, studies support the advantages of positive thinking 15,20,21 . In Gilbert et al’s 20 study of patients with breast cancer, negative thinkers experienced more depression and anxiety than did positive thinkers.…”

“…In addition, a study of patients with prostate cancer found that patients who think positively experience better functional well-being, emotional well-being, social/family well-being, and prostate cancer-specific quality of life. 15 A qualitative study was conducted with breast cancer patients in Norway who underwent breast surgery in the first year of their disease as a means to understand the patients' disease experience. The results showed that patients with breast cancer have a variety of thoughts and feelings about cancer.…”

Men's experiences of the impact of penile cancer surgery on their lives: A qualitative study

“…The disease may be gradually accepted through these means of coping. Recent studies have also shown that positive thinking and a positive attitude towards life are important factors in the quality of life of (Chien et al, 2021) patients with PC or prostate cancer (Branney et al, 2014;Jantunen et al, 2021).…”