ABSTRACT
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to: 1) investigate the differences in the needs of end-stage cancer who can move independently, using mobility aids (MA), or are bedridden; and 2) determine the effects of these different mobility levels on the patients’ current quality of life (QoL), fatigue, and mental conditions.
Methods
The study employed an exploratory prospective cross-sectional study design, which was carried out in two hospitals. The study included 99 end-stage cancer. The mobility levels of the patients were evaluated in three groups: Group 1: bedridden; Group 2: mobile with MA; and Group 3: ambulatory (under supervision or fully independent). A core cancer-specific questionnaire-integrating system for assessing health-related QOL (EORTC-QLQ-C15-PAL), the Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS), and the Hospital Anxiety-Depression scale were utilized.
The median age was 60years (31–83). Cancer types were as follows: gastrointestinal (45.5%), lung (38.4%), breast (4%), genitourinary system (4%), and others (8%). Forty-two percent of the patients were completely bedridden, 42.2% used MA, and 15.2% were independently ambulatory. The EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL physical (=.000) and emotional function values (=.029) differed among mobilization statuses. There was a significant difference among mobilization groups, in terms of behavioral values, in the PFS (=.006). The depression rate in the independent ambulatory group was lower than in the bedridden and MA groups (=0.011; =0.004). p p p p1 p2
Conclusion
Health-related QoL, fatigue level, and emotional state vary in end-stage cancer who undergo evaluations according to their mobility levels. These patients should be assessed comprehensively, and treatment plans should be organized carefully, with a multidisciplinary approach.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to express their gratitude to the patients who participated in this study.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).