Journal of Korean Critical Care Nursing (중환자간호학회지)
- Volume 6 Issue 1
- /
- Pages.21-33
- /
- 2013
- /
- 2005-212X(pISSN)
- /
- 2671-8634(eISSN)
The Relationship between Practice in Lymphedema Self-care Management and Health-related Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients with Mastectomy
림프부종 자가 관리 실천 정도와 유방절제술 환자의 삶의 질과의 관계
- Choi, Eun Nyer (Department of Nursing, Kangdong University) ;
- Choi, Hye Ran (College of Medicine, University of Ulsan)
- Received : 2013.04.15
- Accepted : 2013.06.12
- Published : 2013.06.30
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between lymphedema self-care management and quality of life in breast cancer patients with mastectomy and lymphedema. Methods: One hundred and eighty-six breast cancer patients with mastectomy and lymphedema (n=186) were recruited at a medical center located in Seoul. The levels of lymphedema self-care management and quality of life were measured by the scale for measurement of practice in lymphedema self-care management, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Questionnaire Breast Cancer Module (EORTC QLQ BR23), respectively. Data were analyzed with SPSS 18.0 program. Results: There were statistically significant correlations between lymphedema self-care management and general health status/quality of life in mastectomy patients with lymphedema (r=.30, p<.001). The physical function score of cancer related function scale (r=-.15, p=.033), fatigue score of cancer related symptom scale (r=.15, p=.036), systemic side effect score of breast cancer related symptom scale (r=.45, p=.034), and upset by hair loss (r=.27, p=.004) were significantly correlated with quality of life. Conclusion: The findings suggest that these significant factors should be considered when caring for lymphedema patients.