Symptom experiences and quality of life of rural and urban older adult cancer survivors.
This study examined the symptom experience, health-related quality of life, and functional performance of elderly cancer survivors at 1 and 3 months after the completion of initial treatment. The study used a descriptive, comparative, repeated-measures design. A mixed-methods approach combined completion of survey instruments with qualitative interviews. Of the 52 participants, 22 resided in rural (n = 12) or semirural (n = 10) areas and 30 lived in urban settings. There were 23 women and 29 men ranging in age from 65 to 81 years (mean age, 71.53 years). Survivors experienced a significant number of symptoms (mean, 4.58), which were, on average, moderate in intensity and did not differ based on urban or rural residence. The Medical Outcomes Study SF-12 Physical Component Summary was less than the national norm for elderly individuals or those with a chronic disease. There was minimal improvement 3 months after treatment. Elderly survivors, regardless of whether they were rural or urban, experienced a significant number of unrelieved symptoms, including fatigue, pain, and difficulty sleeping. Eighty-eight percent had other chronic diseases. Comorbidities were associated with greater symptom intensity and less physical health status. Survivorship care for elderly adults should include a comprehensive geriatric assessment and tailored strategies for symptom management.
Beck
Susan L
SL
University of Utah College of Nursing, 10 South 2000 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-5880, USA. Susan.beck@nurs.utah.edu
Towsley
Gail L
GL
Caserta
Michael S
MS
Lindau
Karen
K
Dudley
William N
WN
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D003863:Depression; D005221:Fatigue; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality; D010146:Pain; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014589:Utah / Q000453:epidemiology