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Quality of Life and Perceived Educational Needs among Older Cancer Survivors

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate perceived educational needs regarding nutrition and exercise in older cancer survivors. One hundred ninety survivors, age 70.7 (7.5), completed a Survey of Needs developed from the City of Hope Quality of Life model. Fifty percent reported distress related to poor appetite, 60% reported distress related to weight change, 64% reported distress related to balance/walking/mobility difficulty, and 79% reported distress related to fatigue. Weight change, poor appetite, balance/walking/mobility difficulty, and fatigue were significantly associated with distress related to (a) managing household activities, (b) caring for family, (c) maintaining a sense of well-being, (d) coping with grief and loss, and (e) managing stress. Despite distress associated with weight change, poor appetite, mobility difficulty, and fatigue, respondents did not recognize a need for education regarding nutrition and exercise. Findings suggest that evaluating older survivors’ perceptions of needs may be necessary prior to designing interventions for care.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Nursing, Valdosta State University, 1500 N. Patterson Street, Valdosta, GA, 31698, USA

    Maura C. Schlairet & Melissa J. Benton

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  1. Maura C. Schlairet
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  2. Melissa J. Benton
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Correspondence to Maura C. Schlairet.

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Schlairet, M.C., Benton, M.J. Quality of Life and Perceived Educational Needs among Older Cancer Survivors. J Canc Educ 27, 21–26 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-011-0279-y

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