Analysis of factors affecting the life quality of the patients with late stomach cancer

Aims and objectives To provide a theoretical basis for the clinical care of patients with late stomach cancer, we investigated the life quality and analysed its related factor in the patients with late stomach cancer. Background Due to the lack of effective screening methods, stomach cancer usually has been in the advanced stage when patients are diagnosed. However, the treatment for late stomach cancer is a tough problem in today's medicine. Chemotherapy or radiotherapy brings patients physiological and psychological distress and heavy financial burden, affecting patients' therapeutic effects, prognosis and life quality. Design The patients with late stomach cancer were included, and then, questionnaires about the life quality were completed. Methods Questionnaires including European Organisation for Research on Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30, Social Support Rating Scale, Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire and Self-rating Anxiety Scale were completed by 173 patients with late stomach cancer who received treatment in our hospital between May 2010 and May 2011. Correlation analyses were performed. Results The overall score of the life quality of the patients with late stomach cancer was only 29 center dot 54 +/- 12 center dot 21. The social support, medical coping modes, anxiety and patients' clinical data (except radiotherapy) markedly affected the overall life quality of the patients with late stomach cancer (p<0 center dot 05). Conclusion The life quality of the patients with late stomach cancer is poor and is associated with many factors. Relevance to clinical practice This study provides a theoretical basis for better nursing the patients with late stomach cancer and improving their life quality.