Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study were to investigate the self-reported quality of life and family burden and to examine the factors associated with the quality of life in patients with cancer.
METHODS
216 patients participated in the cross-sectional study. The European Group of Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the Family Burden Scale were sent by mail to 2,000 cancer patients. Two hundred and sixteen patients answered the questionnaire. The stepwise multiple regression was conducted to analyze predictors of overall quality of life.
RESULTS
All subscales of EORTC QLQ-C30 were significantly correlated with family burden. The regression analysis of patients with cancer revealed some variables as significant predictors; performance, perceived severity, family burden, time since diagnosis, and sex.
CONCLUSION
The results offer a number of recommendations for future research and nursing practice focused on primary care for patients with cancer and their family for improving quality of life.

• Keywords: Quality of life; Family burden; Cancer patients