The role of occupational-participation, meaningful-activity and quality-of-life of colorectal cancer survivors: findings from path-modelling

Abstract

Purpose

This novel study aims to explore the relationship between occupational participation, meaningful activity, and the health-related quality of life of people living with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer

Methods

A cross-sectional study design with 113 colorectal cancer survivors (from two large public hospitals in Malaysia) was conducted. Data collection tools included the Occupational Participation Questionnaire, Engagement in Meaningful-activities, and the European Organization for Research and Treatment in Cancer Quality of Life (QOL) Questionnaire. Data analyses were conducted using SmartPLS to examine path analyses between the three measures.

Results

There were independent significant relationships between (1) occupational participation, and (2) meaningful activity engagements on the dependent variable of QOL in this cohort of cancer survivors. More importantly, the result showed that “meaningful-activity” positively and significantly mediates the path between occupational participation and quality of life [β = 0.250 (0.46*0.59), ρ < 0.001(t = 3.91)].

Conclusions

Engagement in meaningful activity mediates the occupational participation of a cohort of colorectal survivors, and produces an impact on their quality of life. This study demonstrates that “occupational participation” (an important construct in occupational therapy), has the potential to improve colorectal cancer survivors’ quality of lives. Therefore, the role of occupational therapists must be optimized within the oncology team, to improve occupational participation and patients’ abilities to engage in meaningful activities for better quality of life.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Occupational therapy intervention addresses the needs of people of all ages, who encountered limitations in their daily occupational participations.

• Cancer can have significant impact on occupational performance, and occupational therapy can improve these limitations to improve their Quality of Life.

• Occupational therapy should be a vital part in the cancer survivorship treatment plan for it can significantly improve occupational performance and quality of life of cancer survivors.

Keywords:

• Occupational participation
• partial least squares regression
• cancer survivorship
• quality of life
• occupational rehabilitation
• occupational therapy

Acknowledgements

The authors thank all participants for their time given to the project. Thanks Dr Gail Boniface for checking the language of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.