Cancer and treatment-related symptoms are associated with mobility disability in women with ovarian cancer: A cross-sectional study

DOI

10.1016/j.ygyno.2016.09.013

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-1-2016

Publication Title

Gynecologic Oncology

Volume

143

Issue

3

First Page

578

Last Page

583

ISSN

908258

Keywords

Disability, Mobility, Ovarian cancer, Physical function, Symptom assessment

Abstract

Objective To examine the prevalence of symptom-related mobility disability and identify specific symptoms and other factors associated with mobility disability among a national sample of ovarian cancer (OC) survivors. Methods Descriptive, correlational secondary analysis of a National Ovarian Cancer Coalition mailed survey of women with a history of OC (n = 713). We used the Symptom Representation Questionnaire (SRQ), the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) Interference Scale, and medical and demographic information to determine prevalence of symptom-related mobility disability. We constructed a multiple linear regression model to determine the relative contributions of specific symptoms and other factors to mobility disability. Results A majority of the sample (60.0%) reported symptom-related mobility disability. Independent predictors included: > one comorbidity (β = 0.112, p = 0.001), active OC (β = 0.111, p = 0.037), abdominal bloating (β = 0.097, p = 0.006), fatigue (β = 0.314, p < 0.001), lack of appetite (β = 0.072, p = 0.045), numbness/tingling (β = 0.134, p < 0.001), and pain (β = 0.194, p < 0.001). The model explained 41.5% of the variance in symptom-related mobility disability (R2 = 0.415). Unexpectedly, age (β = − 0.028, p = 0.412) and current chemotherapy (β = 0.107, p = 0.118) were not significant predictors. Conclusions Symptom-related mobility disability is common among women with OC and is associated with medical comorbidities, abdominal bloating, fatigue, lack of appetite, numbness/tingling, and pain. Longitudinal research should clarify the relationship of these symptoms to mobility disability and determine whether effective symptom management minimizes disability.

Open Access

Green Accepted

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS