The purpose of the study was to determine the following: (1) the levels of symptom distress, body image, quality of life, and HFS- related quality of life; (2) the relationship between symptom distress, body image, quality of life, and HFS-related quality of life; and (3) the predictors of quality of life and HFS-related quality of life in breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy and developed HFS.
Methods:
A cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted. Patients were assessed using the WHO Grading Scales for PPE, Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) 4.03v, Symptom Distress Scale (SDS), Body Image Scale (BIS), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast, FACT-B (version 4)-Additional Concern Subscale, the Hand-Foot Skin Reaction and Quality of Life, HF-QoL, and background information form. Patients were recruited from the outpatient departments of general surgical and oncology wards in a medical center in northern Taiwan. Data were analyzed by descriptive analysis, Pearson’s Product-moment correlation, and multiple linear regression.
Results:
A negative correlation among health-related quality of life, chemotherapy induced-symptom distress, HFS (feet)-related symptom distress, HFS (hand)-related symptom distress, body image, and the grade of HFS. Health-related quality of life was negatively correlated with chemotherapy induced-symptom distress, HFS (feet)-related symptom distress, HFS (hand)-related symptom distress, body image, and the grade of HFS. HFS-related quality of life was negatively correlated with age, chemotherapy induced-symptom distress, HFS (feet)-related symptom distress, HFS (hand)-related symptom distress, body image, and the grade of HFS.
Conclusion:
Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that age, chemotherapy induced-symptom distress, HFS (feet)-related symptom distress, HFS (hand)-related symptom distress, body image, and grade of HFS accounted for 66.1% of the variation in HFS-related quality of life. Health-related quality of life was predicted by body image, chemotherapy induced-symptom distress, and HFS (hand)-related symptom distress accounted for 45.9% of the variation. This result can help health providers determine symptom management in breast cancer patients with HFS.