Predictors of quality of life and social support as a mediator between defecation function and quality of life among rectal cancer patients

Abstract

Purpose: To identify the factors influencing Quality of Life (QoL) in rectal cancer patients and to examine whetherperceived social support mediates the relationship between defecation function and QoL. Methods: Usingself-report questionnaires, a descriptive survey was conducted with 131 rectal cancer patients who underwent analsphincter-saving resection, in a large medical center in Korea. Data were collected between September andNovember, 2014, using research instruments validated in the Korean language. The data were analyzed usingSPSS/WIN 21.0 and AMOS 21.0. Results: The mean age and post-surgical follow-up period of the participantswere 59.0±10.2 years and 15.9±9.8 months, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that, afteradjusting for age and gender, defecation function, perceived social support, and employment status predicted QoL. Path analysis showed that perceived social support partially mediated the relationship between defecation functionand QoL with a significant indirect effect. Conclusion: These results suggest that a positive perception of socialsupport from family and healthcare providers is necessary to improve the QoL of patients experiencing defecationdysfunction after rectal cancer surgery. To this end, periodic counseling and education from outpatient healthcareproviders, during the postoperative follow-up period, could encourage patients to perceive higher social support.