Various factors influencing the health-related quality of life of non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivors were revealed in a recent study. The study results highlight the links between socio-demographics, clinical attributes, and psychological conditions. This research provides a comprehensive perspective, potentially influencing tailored interventions in the future.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivors show distinct health-related quality of life (HRQoL) challenges.
- Age, gender, anxiety, depression, and economic issues are key determinants of HRQoL in this population.
- Supportive care tailored to these specific factors may enhance patient outcomes.
While survival rates for non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients have shown improvement, lingering effects persist among survivors. This investigation, published in the journal Cancers, centered on understanding the interplay between various sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors and their impact on HRQoL in these patients.
Out of 251 patients who received the questionnaire, 157 (63%) responded. The main factors associated with diminished HRQoL included age, sex, presence of anxiety, depression, and economic hardships.
Unpacking Clinical Outcomes and Comparisons
The HRQoL of non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivors was found to be inferior compared to the general population, particularly in domains such as vitality, general health, and both physical and emotional scores. Men were observed to have better vitality scores than women. High education was linked to improved emotional scores. Anxiety and depression symptoms were tied to poorer HRQoL, suggesting a significant psychological influence on overall well-being.
Social and Economic Influences on Survivor Well-Being
Having a strong social support system improved survivors’ emotional well-being and overall mental health, which highlights the importance of providing adequate social and psychological support during patient follow-up. On the other hand, those facing financial challenges reported poorer health outcomes, suggesting that economic support could be beneficial.
Relevance to Clinical Practice and Way Forward
For healthcare providers working with non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivors, these findings provide a roadmap for better understanding the needs of these patients. By recognizing the significant role of age, gender, mental health, and socio-economic factors, providers can develop more personalized care plans.
Source:
Wasse, S. K., Mounier, M., Assogba, E., Rossi, C., Adnet, J., Gauthier, S., Girard, S., Atsou, K. M., Dabakuyo‐Yonli, T. S., & Maynadié, M. (2023). Factors Affecting Health-Related Quality of Life among Survivors of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Population-Based Study. Cancers, 15(15), 3885. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15153885
