Patient-reported physical activity and the association with health-related quality of life in head and neck cancer survivors

Support Care Cancer. 2018 Apr;26(4):1087-1095. doi: 10.1007/s00520-017-3926-y. Epub 2017 Nov 21.

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to assess patient-reported levels of physical activity (PA) and its associations with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) adjusted for important demographic, lifestyle-related, and clinical factors, among head and neck (HNC) survivors.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 116 HNC survivors. PA was assessed with the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and HRQoL with the EORTC-QLQ-C30 and EORTC-HN35. Associations were studied using univariable and multivariable regression analyses.

Results: Median PASE score was 100.3 (interquartile range 65.1;170.8) of which 54% were household, 34% leisure-time, and 12% occupational activities. Younger HNC survivors had higher levels of PA. Higher PA was significantly associated with higher global QoL (p < 0.05). Findings for physical function, role function, social function, fatigue, and pain were in line, but not statistically significant (0.05 ≤ p < 0.10).

Conclusions: Among HNC survivors, a large proportion of PA consists of household activities. Younger HNC survivors had higher PA levels, and higher PA levels were associated with higher HRQoL.

Keywords: Exercise; Head and neck neoplasm; Health-related quality of life; Physical activity; Physical functioning.

MeSH terms

  • Cancer Survivors / psychology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Exercise / psychology*
  • Female
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / physiopathology*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Quality of Life
  • Regression Analysis
  • Self Report