Perspect Nurs Sci.  2014 Apr;11(1):74-85.

Relationships between Anxiety, Depression, Low Anterior Resection Syndrome, and Quality of Life Following Lower Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer

• Lee E
• Kim KS

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between anxiety, depression, low anterior resection syndrome, and quality of life after lower anterior resection for rectal cancer.
METHODS
The participants of this study were 105 rectal cancer patients who visited the outpatient department of a hospital in Seoul for treatment or follow-up consultations. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires and clinical records. To measure the variables, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Low Anterior Resection Syndrome Score, and Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 were utilized. Data were subsequently analyzed using the SPSS/WIN 20.0 program.
RESULTS
Low anterior resection syndrome was more severe among patients whose cancer was located closer to the anus, and had a greater range of resection in those who received neoadjuvant treatment. When anxiety, depression, and low anterior resection syndrome score were higher, quality of life scores were lower.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that low anterior resection syndrome may negatively impact quality of life. Therefore, it is necessary to provide patients with symptom management support/assistance through evidence-based nursing interventions, and evaluations of low anterior resection syndrome to relieve anxiety and depression, and thus enhance quality of life.

Keyword

Rectal cancer; Anxiety; Depression; Fecal incontinence; Quality of life

MeSH Terms

Anal Canal
Anxiety*
Depression*
Evidence-Based Nursing
Fecal Incontinence
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Neoadjuvant Therapy
Outpatients
Quality of Life*
Surveys and Questionnaires
Rectal Neoplasms*
Referral and Consultation
Seoul