Factors associated with health-related quality of life in older cancer survivors: A secondary analysis of data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019-2021).

BACKGROUND

The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of older cancer survivors is emerging as an important public health issue as the older adult population continues to grow.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify factors affecting HRQoL among older cancer survivors and to examine age-related differences.

METHODS

This study used secondary data from the 8th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019 and 2021). The inclusion criteria were cancer survivors aged 65 years and older. A total of 158 older cancer survivors were identified from 15,200 respondents. Participants were classified into two groups: 89 young-old and 69 old-old individuals. Linear regression analyses were conducted using sampling weights and a complex survey design to identify factors associated with HRQoL.

RESULTS

Factors affecting HRQoL differed between the two age groups. Among young-old cancer survivors, activity limitations (B = -0.09, p = 0.027), depression (B = -0.16, p < 0.001), self-rated health (B = 0.07, p = 0.019), and stress (B = -0.11, p < 0.001) were significant influencing factors. In the old-old group, significant factors included activity limitations (B = -0.07, p = 0.002), alcohol consumption (B = 0.11, p < 0.001), pronunciation problems (B = -0.08, p = 0.011), sex (B = 0.08, p = 0.003), and stress (B = -0.06, p = 0.001). Activity limitations and stress were common factors associated with reduced HRQoL in both age groups.

CONCLUSION

HRQoL among older cancer survivors was associated with age. Age-specific nursing interventions are needed to improve HRQoL in older cancer survivors by addressing activity limitations and stress, with additional focus on psychological and oral health needs.