Fear of recurrence: A mediator of the relationship between physical symptoms and quality of life in head and neck cancer patients. (8th June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tsay, Shiow‐Luan; Wang, Ju‐Yi; Lee, Yun‐Hsiang; Chen, Yen‐Ju
• Is Part Of: European journal of cancer care. Volume 29:Number 4(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-06-08
• Subjects: fear of recurrence -- head and neck cancer -- mediation model -- quality of life -- symptom severity; Cancer -- Nursing -- Periodicals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13243
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-5423

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients suffer from symptoms and fear of recurrence (FoR), which both affect their quality of life (QoL). Based on a self‐regulation model, the purpose of the study was to examine patients' FoR as a mediator of the relation between symptoms and QoL, and to identify which symptoms may trigger FoR. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted, using convenience sampling. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data at a medical centre in Northern Taiwan. The analytic methods included descriptive statistics, structural equation modelling and linear regression. Results: A total of 103 participants were recruited. Patients experienced a medium level of symptom severity and QoL but a moderate to high level of FoR. Symptom severity, FoR and QoL were significantly correlated. FoR was a significant partial mediator between symptom severity and QoL. The significant factors of the overall FoR and the subscale of health worry were "pain in general" and "pain in the mouth, throat or neck." "Pain in general" was a significant factor for the subscale of cancer worry. Conclusions: This theory‐driven study supports a mediation model of FoR among HNC patients and provides a more comprehensive understanding of the antecedents and consequences of FoR.