Relationships among Type-D personality, symptoms and quality of life in patients with ovarian cancer receiving chemotherapy

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Type-D personality and identify its relationships among the symptoms and quality of life in patients with ovarian cancer-receiving chemotherapy.

Methods: A total of 150 patients with ovarian cancer undergoing chemotherapy were recruited between December 2015 and August 2016. The subjects were assessed using the Type-D Personality Scale-14, Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale – Short Form and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General questionnaire completed through a face-to-face interview.

Results: About 56% of patients were classified into the Type-D personality group. This personality group showed statistically significantly higher symptoms and lower quality of life than the non-Type-D personality group. According to stepwise multiple regression, the most significant factor influencing quality of life was symptoms, followed by Type-D personality, performance status and cancer stage.

Conclusions: The prevalence of Type-D personality in patients with ovarian cancer was high, and Type-D personality was significantly associated with a high symptom score and lower quality of life. Health professionals should consider Type-D personality in the assessment and intervention of symptoms and quality of life, along with performance status and cancer stage.

Keywords:

• Chemotherapy
• ovary cancer
• quality of life
• symptom
• Type-D personality

Acknowledgements

We thank all patients who participated in this study.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Current knowledge on this subject

• Patients with ovarian cancer receiving chemotherapy experience various symptoms including negative emotions such as depression and anxiety.

• Type-D personality has been considered a factor related to symptom and quality of life.

• Little known about the prevalence of Type-D personality, and relationship among Type-D personality, symptoms and quality of life in ovarian cancer receiving chemotherapy.

What this study adds

• 56% of patients with ovarian cancer receiving chemotherapy report Type-D personality.

• Type-D personality group show higher symptoms and lower quality of life than the non-Type-D personality group.

• Symptom, Type-D personality, performance status and cancer stage influence on quality of life.