Systematic review of the impact of demographic and socioeconomic factors on quality of life in ostomized colorectal cancer survivors

Predictive factors associated with health-related quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer in Iran: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to identify the primary factors influencing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), hypothesising that specific patient characteristics and clinical factors significantly impact HRQoL.

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study conducted over 1 month, from 1 April 2022 to 1 May 2022.

SETTING

The study was conducted in five hospitals in the northwest region of Iran, focusing on outpatient chemotherapy services.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 251 patients diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer participated in the study. Inclusion criteria included a confirmed diagnosis by an oncologist, ability to communicate, willingness to participate and being aware of their diagnosis and treatment. Exclusion criteria were the presence of other chronic diseases, cognitive disorders, known mental disorders and unwillingness to participate.

INTERVENTIONS

No interventions were applied as this was an observational study.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the HRQoL of patients with CRC, measured using a standardised SF-36 (36-Item Short Form Health Survey) questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included the impact of demographic and clinical factors on HRQoL.

RESULTS

The total score of HRQoL in these patients is 47.22±16.78, which indicates that HRQoL is disturbed in these patients. Also, the results of the stepwise multiple regression revealed that among all the participants' characteristics considered, seven factors: not having another disease besides cancer (p<0.001, β: 12.91, 95% CI 8.40, 17.42), only receiving chemotherapy (p<0.001, β: 9.10, 95% CI 4.12, 14.09), not having colostomy (p<0.001, β: 10.27, 95% Cl 5.70, 14.84), female sex (p=0.046, β: -4.52, 95% Cl -8.95, -0.08), living in their own house (p=0.001, β: 11.25, 95% Cl 4.77, 17.73), living in city (p=0.002, 17.74, 95% Cl 6.51, 28.96) and finally not having a job (p=0.003, β: -7.47, 95% Cl -12.31, -2.63), including are the factors that have the most predictive power in HRQoL.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study encourage health service providers and planners to pay special attention to the characteristics of patients with CRC as identified in this study. Notably, several HRQoL scores in patients with CRC are low, and the study found that patient characteristics, such as the presence of colostomy, unemployment, female gender and comorbidities, significantly predict the overall HRQoL score. Future research should focus on interventional studies aimed at minimising the adverse effects of disease symptoms on HRQoL in these vulnerable patients.

The Influence of Sociodemographic Factors and Clinical Aspects on the Quality of Life of Surgically Treated Patients with Colorectal Cancer

Introduction

Due to the increasing number of cases and the levels of mortality, colorectal cancer is still a major health problem. Therefore, the growing interest in the quality of life of patients and the assessment of the quality of life of patients with colorectal cancer seems to be particularly important. The aim of the study was to investigate and determine factors that have a significant impact on the QoL of patients who were diagnosed with colorectal cancer that was surgically treated in the Surgical Department of the 4th Military Clinical Hospital in Wroclaw.

Methods

102 respondents were enrolled into the study. The QLQ-C30, QLQ-CR29 as well as an original questionnaire regarding the socioeconomic factors were used for the assessment. The information was supplemented with patients' clinical data.

Results

According to the QLQ-C30 questionnaire the average QoL of the respondents was 55%. Factors such as male gender, younger age, higher BMI, no significant weight loss, living with family, lower level of education and being professionally active have significant positive impact on QoL. In contrary, patients with more advanced and malignant cancer with tumor located in the right half of the colon had worse QoL. The particular domains of QoL influenced by these factors were also identified. Determining these factors will allow for more effective treatment, for the shortening of the hospitalization and finally for the reduction of the costs.

Conclusion

The better QoL of the patients with colorectal cancer treated surgically showed younger men, living with family and with the support from close people, professionally active, with primary level of education, and without significant weight loss, ie less than 5% of body weight in the last 6 months. Moreover, patients with cancer located in the left colon, at a lower stage, with a lower grading demonstrated a better QoL.

Understanding the associations between receipt of, and interest in, advice from a healthcare professional and quality of life in individuals with a stoma from colorectal cancer: a latent profile analysis

PURPOSE

To explore whether profiles derived from self-reported quality of life were associated with receipt of, and interest in, advice from a healthcare professional in people with a stoma.

METHODS

Secondary analysis of cross-sectional national survey data from England of 4487 people with a stoma from colorectal cancer. The survey assessed quality of life using various scales, receipt and interest in various forms of advice, and physical activity. A three-step latent profile analysis was conducted to determine the optimum number of profiles. Multinomial regression explored factors associated with profile membership. A series of logistic regression models examined whether profile membership was associated with interest in advice.

RESULTS

Five profiles were identified; 'consistently good quality of life', 'functional issues', 'functional and financial issues', 'low quality of life' and 'supported but struggling'. Individuals in the 'functional and financial issues' and 'low quality of life' profiles were more likely to have received financial advice compared to the 'consistently good quality of life' profile. When compared to the 'consistently good quality of life' profile, all other profiles were more likely to report wanting advice across a range of areas, with the strongest associations in the 'low quality of life' profile.

CONCLUSION

Findings indicate that people with a stoma are not a homogenous group in terms of quality of life. Participants in profiles with quality of life concerns report wanting more advice across various categories but findings suggest there is scope to explore how this can be tailored or adapted to specific groups.

Postoperative outcomes and identification of risk factors for complications after emergency intestinal stoma surgery - a multicentre retrospective study

AIM

Approximately 4000 patients in the UK have an emergency intestinal stoma formed each year. Stoma-related complications (SRCs) are heterogeneous but have previously been subcategorized into early or late SRCs, with early SRCs generally occurring within 30 days postoperatively. Early SRCs include skin excoriation, stoma necrosis and high output, while late SRCs include parastomal hernia, retraction and prolapse. There is a paucity of research on specific risk factors within the emergency cohort for development of SRCs. This paper aims to describe the incidence of SRCs after emergency intestinal surgery and to identify potential risk factors for SRCs within this cohort.

METHOD

Consecutive patients undergoing emergency formation of an intestinal stoma (colostomy, ileostomy or jejunostomy) were identified prospectively from across three acute hospital sites over a 3-year period from the ELLSA (Emergency Laparotomy and Laparoscopic Scottish Audit) database. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 1 year. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors for early and late SRCs.

RESULTS

A total of 455 patients were included (median follow-up 19 months, median age 64 years, male:female 0.52, 56.7% ileostomies). Early SRCs were experienced by 54.1% of patients, while 51% experienced late SRCs. A total of 219 patients (48.1%) had their stoma sited preoperatively. Risk factors for early SRCs included end ileostomy formation [OR 3.51 (2.24-5.49), p < 0.001], while preoperative stoma siting was found to be protective [OR 0.53 (0.35-0.83), p = 0.005]. Patient obesity [OR 3.11 (1.92-5.03), p < 0.001] and reoperation for complications following elective surgery [OR 4.18 (2.01-8.69), p < 0.001] were risk factors for late SRCs.

CONCLUSION

Stoma-related complications after emergency surgery are common. Preoperative stoma siting is the only truly modifiable risk factor to reduce SRCs, and further research should be aimed at methods of improving the frequency and accuracy of this in the emergency setting.

Limitations on participation and global quality of life among CRC survivors with permanent stomas: moderated mediation analysis of psychological distress and family functioning

PURPOSE

Although a cancer diagnosis and stoma creation leave colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors with significant limitations on participation in life activities that would impair their global quality of life (QoL), the underlying psychological mechanisms are understudied. The aim of this cross-section study was to examine whether psychological distress mediates the association of limitations on participation in life activity with global QoL, and whether family functioning moderated the indirect effects of limitations on participation in life activities on global QoL through psychological distress.

METHODS

CRC survivors with permanent stomas (n = 282) completed questionnaires assessing socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, limitations on participation in life activities, psychological distress, family functioning, and global QoL. The mediation model and moderated mediation model were conducted using the PROCESS macro for SPSS.

RESULTS

Mediation analysis showed that the association of limitations on participation in life activities with global QoL was partially mediated by psychological distress (indirect effect = -0.087, 95% CI = -0.135 to -0.041). Moderated mediation analysis indicated that the indirect effects of limitations on participation in life activities on global QoL through psychological distress were significantly moderated by family functioning. Specifically, the indirect effects decreased were significant as family functioning levels increased.

CONCLUSION

CRC survivors with permanent stomas experienced poor global QoL. The moderated mediation model provides a better understanding of how limitations on participation in life activities, psychological distress, and family functioning work together to affect global QoL. Interventions aiming to improve QoL among CRC survivors with permanent stomas should consider targeting these aspects.

Evaluation of Clinical Results regarding Peristomal Skin Health Associated with the Adjustment and Formulation of the New Moderma Flex One-Piece Ostomy Devices

In order to determine the perception of ostomized patients about the performance and safety of the new one-piece device Moderma Flex, as well as the evolution of peristomal skin health after its use. The pre- and post-experimental multicenter study after the use of the Moderma Flex one-piece ostomy device on 306 ostomized people from 68 hospitals in Spain. We used a self-made questionnaire on the usefulness of different parts of the device and the perception of peristomal skin improvement. The sample was composed of 54.6% (167) men and had an average age of 64.5 years (standard deviation = 15.43). The type of device most commonly used according to its opening was closed by 45.1% (138). In addition, for the type of barrier, the most frequently used is the flat one; 47.7% (146) and 38.9% (119) used a model of soft convexity. A total of 48% scored with the highest assessment in the perception of skin improvement. The percentage of patients with peristomal skin problems decreased from 35.9% at the first visit to less than 8% after the use of Moderma Flex. Further, 92.4% (257) had no skin problems, the most frequent being erythema. The use of the Moderma Flex device seems to be related to a reduction in peristomal skin complications and a perception of improvement.

[Effect of psychological interventions on psychosocial variables in patients with colorectal cancer: a narrative review of the literature]

Objective

To describe the effects of psychological interventions on anxiety, depression, emotional distress and/or quality of life (QoL) of patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods

Narrative literature review in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane Library, 2011-2021.

Results

A total of 553 articles were obtained, of which twelve were included. Most were brief, individual, face-to-face interventions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy was the most reported intervention, showing positive effects on QoL, specifically in stoma patients; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and solution-focused therapy also identified improvements in QoL. Reminiscence therapy and a self-efficacy intervention reported significant improvements in anxiety and depression. Relaxation and writing training were not proven effective; psychoeducation showed inconsistent effects.

Conclusion

There is a paucity of studies conducted during the last years, which do not evidence a consensus of the therapeutic model that produces consistent improvements in psychological well-being.

The Quality of Life of Patients with Surgically Treated Colorectal Cancer: A Narrative Review

INTRODUCTION

Quality of life is a topic increasingly being addressed by researchers. Due to the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer, this issue is particularly relevant. Despite the increasing number of publications on this topic each year, it still requires further research. The aim of this study was to analyze the available literature from the past 10 years, addressing the topic of QoL in patients with colorectal cancer which has been treated surgically.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This review is based on 93 articles published between 2012 and 2022. It analyzes the impact of socioeconomic factors, the location and stage of the tumor, stoma and the method of surgical treatment on patients' QoL and sexual functioning.

RESULTS

CRC has a negative impact on patients' financial status, social functioning, pain and physical functioning. Patients with stage II or III cancer have an overall lower QoL than patients with stage I. The more proximally the lesion is located to the sphincters, the greater the negative impact on the QoL. There was a significant difference in favor of laparoscopic surgery compared with open surgery. In patients with a stoma, the QoL is lower compared with patients with preserved gastrointestinal tract continuity. The more time has passed since surgery, the more the presence of a stoma has a negative impact on QoL. Surgery for CRC negatively affects patients' sex lives, especially in younger people and among men.

CONCLUSIONS

This study may contribute to the identification of the factors that affect the QoL of patients with surgically treated colorectal cancer. This will allow even more effective and complete treatment, facilitating patients' return to normal physical, mental and social functioning.

Health professionals' perceptions of colorectal cancer patients' treatment burden and their supportive work to ameliorate the burden - a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Support is pivotal for patients in managing colorectal cancer treatment, as they might be overwhelmed by the burden of treatment. There is scarce knowledge regarding health professionals' perceptions of colorectal cancer patients' burdens and supportive needs. The study aims to describe health professionals' perspectives on treatment burden among patients receiving curative surgical treatment for colorectal cancer during the hospital stay and how they support patients to ameliorate the burden.

METHODS

This study has a descriptive and explorative qualitative design, using semi-structured interviews with nine health professionals recruited from a gastrointestinal-surgery ward at a university hospital in Norway. Data were analysed by using systematic text condensation.

RESULTS

Data analysis identified the themes "capturing patients' burdens of colorectal cancer treatment" and "health professionals' support to ameliorate the burden". Patients with colorectal cancer had to face burdens related to a challenging emotional situation, treatment complications and side effects, and an extensive need for information. A trusting patient-carer relationship was therefore perceived as the essence of health professionals' support. Health professionals focused their support on safeguarding patients, motivating patients to self-manage, and involving family and peers as supporters. Patients' journey characteristics and illness severity challenged health professionals' supportive work.

CONCLUSION

Support from health professionals includes providing patients emotional support and relevant treatment-related information and motivating patients for early post-surgical mobilisation. Health professionals should be aware of identifying colorectal cancer patients' information needs according to the specific treatment stages, which may ameliorate the burden of colorectal cancer treatment and enable patients to self-manage.