Shu-Ching Chen1, Bing-Shen Huang2, Tsung-Min Hung2, Ya-Lan Chang3, Chien-Yu Lin2, Chia-Yin Chung4, Shu-Chen Wu5. 1. Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Radiation Oncology, Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Proton and Radiation Therapy Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan. Electronic address: shuching@gw.cgust.edu.tw. 2. Department of Radiation Oncology, Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Proton and Radiation Therapy Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan. 3. Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan. 4. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Graduate Institute and Department of Physical Therapy, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan. 5. Department of Radiation Oncology, Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Proton and Radiation Therapy Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of swallowing ability, depression, and dysphagia-specific health-related quality of life (QOL), and the predictors of dysphagia-specific health-related QOL in oral cavity cancer patients post-treatment. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 151 oral cavity cancer patients was performed at a medical center. Patients were assessed for swallowing ability, depression, and dysphagia-specific health-related QOL. Multiple stepwise regression was used to identify factors related to dysphagia-specific health-related QOL. RESULTS: Of the 151 patients surveyed, the top swallowing impairments were difficulty swallowing dry foods, difficulty swallowing hard food, and swallowing problems interfering with enjoyment or QOL. Patients with tumors of the tongue had worse functional dysphagia QOL than those with cancers in other locations. Patients with buccal cancer had worse overall dysphagia QOL, functional dysphagia QOL, and physical dysphagia QOL than patients with cancers in other locations. Patients with poor swallowing ability were more likely to have worse global dysphagia QOL. Emotional dysphagia QOL was associated with poor swallowing ability and depression. Poor swallowing ability, higher level of depression, and tumors of the tongue were associated with the worst functional dysphagia QOL. Patients with poor swallowing ability, higher level of depression, and less functional oral intake were more likely to have worse physical dysphagia QOL. CONCLUSION: Swallowing ability and depression were the most important factors associated with dysphagia-specific health-related QOL. Patient-centered swallowing rehabilitation programs are recommended to help cope with swallowing impairment.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of swallowing ability, depression, and dysphagia-specific health-related quality of life (QOL), and the predictors of dysphagia-specific health-related QOL in oral cavity cancerpatients post-treatment. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 151 oral cavity cancerpatients was performed at a medical center. Patients were assessed for swallowing ability, depression, and dysphagia-specific health-related QOL. Multiple stepwise regression was used to identify factors related to dysphagia-specific health-related QOL. RESULTS: Of the 151 patients surveyed, the top swallowing impairments were difficulty swallowing dry foods, difficulty swallowing hard food, and swallowing problems interfering with enjoyment or QOL. Patients with tumors of the tongue had worse functional dysphagia QOL than those with cancers in other locations. Patients with buccal cancer had worse overall dysphagia QOL, functional dysphagia QOL, and physical dysphagia QOL than patients with cancers in other locations. Patients with poor swallowing ability were more likely to have worse global dysphagia QOL. Emotional dysphagia QOL was associated with poor swallowing ability and depression. Poor swallowing ability, higher level of depression, and tumors of the tongue were associated with the worst functional dysphagia QOL. Patients with poor swallowing ability, higher level of depression, and less functional oral intake were more likely to have worse physical dysphagia QOL. CONCLUSION: Swallowing ability and depression were the most important factors associated with dysphagia-specific health-related QOL. Patient-centered swallowing rehabilitation programs are recommended to help cope with swallowing impairment.