Journal
PSYCHO-ONCOLOGY
Volume 31, Issue 3, Pages 478-485Publisher
WILEY
DOI: 10.1002/pon.5830
Keywords
depression; dysphagia; Head and Neck Cancer; HN5000; oncology; psycho-oncology; quality of life; social contact; social eating; social functioning
Funding
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) [RP-PG-0707-10034]
- Above and Beyond, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston Research Capability Funding
- Cancer Research UK Programme Grant
- Integrative Cancer Epidemiology Programme [C18281/A19169]
Ask authors/readers for more resources
The study found significant associations between markers of social functioning and depression and health-related quality of life among head and neck cancer survivors. Difficulty with social eating and contact was positively correlated with depression and negatively correlated with quality of life. Effective interventions addressing social eating and contact are crucial for improving outcomes for survivors.
Objective To investigate associations between markers of social functioning (trouble with social eating and social contact), depression and health-related quality of life (QOL) among head and neck cancer survivors. Methods This cross-sectional analysis included individuals with oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, salivary gland and thyroid cancers from Head and Neck 5000 alive at 12 months. Trouble with social eating and social contact were measured using items from EORTC QLQ-H&N35 and QOL using EORTC QLQ-C30; responses were converted into a score of 0-100, with a higher score equalling more trouble or better QOL. A HADS subscale score of >= 8 was considered significant depression. Associations between tertiles of trouble with social eating and social contact and depression and QoL were assessed using multivariable logistic and linear regression (with robust errors), respectively. Results Of 2561 survivors, 23% reported significant depression. The median QOL score was 75.0 (interquartile range 58.3-83.3). For trouble with social eating, after confounder adjustment, those in the intermediate and highest tertiles had higher odds of depression (intermediate: OR = 4.5, 95% CI 3.19-6.45; high: OR = 21.8, 15.17-31.18) and lower QOL (intermediate:beta = -8.7, 95% CI -10.35 to -7.14; high: beta = -24.8, -26.91 to -22.77). Results were similar for trouble with social contact. Conclusion We found strong clinically important associations between markers of social functioning and depression and QOL. More effective interventions addressing social eating and contact are required. These may help survivors regain their independence, reduce levels of isolation and loneliness, and depression, and improve QOL outcomes generally.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available