Factors Influencing Quality of Life in Thyroid Cancer Patients with Thyroidectomy

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to examine the relationships among anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and quality of life in thyroid cancer patients with thyroidectomy and to identify factors influencing their quality of life. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to measure anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and quality of life of 129 thyroid cancer patients between 2011 and 2012. The data were analyzed with t-test, one-way ANOVA, post-hoc comparison (Duncan), Pearson's correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 49.8, and most of them were female and married. The mean time since diagnosis of the participants was two years. The mean score for quality of life was 74 out of 108. Quality of life was significantly different by gender, employment and the stage of cancer at diagnosis. Anxiety, depression and self-esteem were all correlated to quality of life. As a result of stepwise multiple regression analysis, depression, self-esteem, and gender were discovered to account for 58.1% of the variance in quality of life. Depression was the most influential factor. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate that depression and self-esteem should be integrated when developing psychosocial intervention to promote quality of life among thyroid cancer patients.