Health-related quality of life and predictors in differentiated thyroid cancer patients during the transitional period: A Cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Despite the increasing prevalence of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in mainland China, the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of DTC patients remains suboptimal. The transitional period from hospital to home is crucial for patients to adapt to their new status as survivors. However, such patients usually face several challenges and their HRQoL remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the HRQoL and predictors in Chinese DTC patients during the transitional period.

METHODS

This single-center cross-sectional study including 300 patients was conducted in China. Patients completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire, the Thyroid Cancer-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire, and psychosocially relevant questionnaires. Cluster analysis, univariate logistic regression, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine the number of HRQoL clusters and predictors of HRQoL in DTC patients, respectively.

RESULTS

The HRQoL of DTC patients during the transitional period were divided into two phenotypes: high HRQoL (69.3%) and low HRQoL (30.7%). Patients with low HRQoL exhibited the lowest scores in global health status, role functioning, and cognitive functioning. In the symptom subscales, scar, fatigue, and voice problems were the three highest results. In addition, age, fatigue, psychological distress, and illness perception were associated with low HRQoL of DTC patients during this period.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the favorable prognosis in DTC patients, approximately one-third suffer from undesirable levels of HRQoL during the transitional period, manifesting as a decline in role functioning and cognitive functioning, and exhibiting scars, fatigue, and voice problems. DTC patients, particularly those aged 18 ~ 39 and over 55 years, those prone to fatigue, those experiencing psychological distress, and those with poor illness perception, are more likely to have poor HRQoL, which should be a primary emphasis for healthcare professionals involved in follow-up.