| Background Gastrectomy affects different aspects of functionality and impacts on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with gastric
cancer. The importance of appropriate assessment of QoL in cancer patients is well established, yet strategies that help improve this
important patient outcome are relatively scarce.
Objective To examine the effectiveness of a brief self-care education program to improve QoL of gastric cancer patients after gastrectomy.
Methods Using a randomized controlled trial, 59 patients with gastric cancer and candidate for gastrectomy were randomly assigned
either to an intervention group (n = 31) to participate in a brief self-care education program or to a usual-care group (n =
28). Data were collected on patient demographics, and QoL was measured by the QLQ-C30 and the QLQ-STO22 at baseline and
1 month after gastrectomy.
Results There were no statistically significant between-group differences in any subscales of the QLQ-C30 and the QLQ-STO22.
However, participants in the brief self-care education program showed significant improvements from baseline in the global health
status-QoL scale (t = 2.243, P < .05), experience of pain (t = 2.508, P < .05), constipation (t = 2.773, P < .05), and the experience
of dysphagia at the follow-up assessment.
Limitations This study is likely to be underpowered to show differences between the groups.
Conclusion A brief self-care education program was not sufficient to significantly improve the quality of life patients with gastric
cancer after gastrectomy. |