Life satisfaction in adult survivors of cancer during adolescence: what contributes to the latter satisfaction with life?
Summary of "Life satisfaction in adult survivors of cancer during adolescence: what contributes to the latter satisfaction with life?"
PURPOSE:
To compare the general and health-related life satisfaction (LS) in long-term survivors of adolescent cancer with a community sample and to identify medical and psychosocial factors associated with LS.
METHODS:
LS of 820 survivors (age M = 30.4 ± 6.0 years; time since diagnosis M = 13.7 ± 6.0 years) was assessed with the Questions on Life Satisfaction (FLZ(M)) and compared to an age- and sex-matched community sample. The effects of medical, psychological, and socio-demographical factors on the survivors' general and health-related LS were investigated by means of multiple regression analyses.
RESULTS:
Survivors were significantly less satisfied than the comparison group in terms of both their general (P < .001, d = -.35) and health-related (P < .001, d = -.47) life. Somatic late effects, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and less posttraumatic growth were associated with impaired general and health-related LS. Moreover, being married contributed significantly to higher general LS.
CONCLUSION:
Adult survivors of cancer with onset during adolescence are experiencing less LS than the general population. Long-term routine follow-up visits are recommended to identify persisting effects of cancer survival on LS and to provide support for those with special needs. Physicians need to pay special attention to potential risk factors such as psychological distress, somatic late effects, persistent psychological distress, and a lack of posttraumatic growth, which are negatively correlated with LS.
Affiliation
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University Hospital Ulm, Steinhövelstraße 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany, diana.seitz@uniklinik-ulm.de.
Journal Details
This article was published in the following journal.
Name: Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation
ISSN: 1573-2649
Pages:
Links
- PubMed Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20844965
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11136-010-9739-9
Medical and Biotech [MESH] Definitions
Syringoma
A benign tumor of the sweat glands which is usually multiple and results from malformation of sweat ducts. It is uncommon and more common in females than in males. It is most likely to appear at adolescence, and further lesions may develop during adult life. It does not appear to be hereditary. (Rook et al., Textbook of Dermatology, 4th ed, pp2407-8)
Survivors
Persons who have experienced a prolonged survival after serious disease or who continue to live with a usually life-threatening condition as well as family members, significant others, or individuals surviving traumatic life events.
Job Satisfaction
Personal satisfaction relative to the work situation.
Consumer Satisfaction
Customer satisfaction or dissatisfaction with a benefit or service received.
Adult Survivors Of Child Abuse
Persons who were child victims of violence and abuse including physical, sexual, or emotional maltreatment.
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