Factors associated with health-related quality of life on mental and oral health in patients with cancer and cancer survivors using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005–2018)

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the association of mental and oral health with the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with cancer and cancer survivors. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 1643 patients with cancer and 1628 individuals who survived cancer (aged ≥ 19 years) using data from the 2005–2018 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The data were analyzed using SAS survey procedures (version 9.4), t-tests, χ2 test, and multiple regression. Results: Regarding differences in mental and oral health factors by group, the results revealed significant differences between depression, suicidal ideation, subjective oral health, chewing problems, and speaking problems due to oral issues. The HRQOL of patients with cancer was lower than that of cancer survivors. The factors influencing HRQOL in both patients with cancer and cancer survivors were education status, economic activity, subjective health, suicidal ideation, and speaking problems due to oral issues. HRQOL was also associated with depression in patients with cancer. Conclusions: Patients with cancer had a lower HRQOL than cancer survivors. The two groups of patients showed significant differences in the factors associated with HRQOL. Therefore, customized health programs and policies should be developed and implemented for each group to improve their QOL. © 2024 The Authors