Effects of Symptom Burdens on the Quality of Life in Patients with Lung Cancer

Abstract

Abstract Purpose:This study aimed to examine the symptom burden conditions and quality of life in patients with lung cancer. Methods: A structured questionnaire was utilized to collect data from patients with lung cancer at a medical center. Demographic information of the patients was obtained, and their symptom burden and quality of life (QOL) were assessed using the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-LC13 instruments. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was employed to estimate the relationship between lung cancer-related symptom burden and quality of life. Results: A total of 159 patients completed the questionnaire. The mean age of the patients was 63.12±11.4 years, with 64.8% of them being female. The Global Quality of Life score on the QLQ-C30 was 67.87±22.24. The top five lung cancer-related symptoms reported were insomnia, dyspnea, fatigue (from the QLQ-C30), and coughing and dyspnea (from the QLQ-LC13). The multiple regression analysis revealed that appetite loss was significantly associated with global quality of life (β = -0.32; adjusted R2: 27%) and cognitive function (β = -0.15; adjusted R2: 11%). Fatigue was associated with role function (β = -0.35; adjusted R2: 43%), emotional function (β = -0.26; adjusted R2: 9%), and social function (β= -0.26; adjusted R2: 27%). Dyspnea was associated with physical function (β= -0.45; adjusted R2: 42%). Conclusion: The main contributors to symptom burdens and reduced quality of life in lung cancer patients were appetite loss, fatigue, and dyspnea. Alleviating these symptoms can potentially improve the quality of life and overall survival outcomes for patients with lung cancer.