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Longitudinal Analysis of a Model to Predict Quality of Life in Prostate Cancer Patients and their Spouses

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Annals of Behavioral Medicine

Abstract

Background/Purpose

This study examined a stress-coping model to assess whether baseline antecedent variables predicted subsequent appraisal and how that appraisal predicted coping and quality of life for prostate cancer patients and their spouses.

Methods

In a sample of 121 prostate cancer patient/spouse dyads, we assessed baseline antecedent variables (self-efficacy, current concerns, age, socioeconomic status, social support, communication, symptoms, phase of illness), 4-month follow-up appraisal (negative appraisal, hopelessness, uncertainty), and 8-month follow-up coping and mental and physical quality of life. Patients and spouses were assessed in a single integrated path model using structural equation modeling.

Results

The stress-coping model accounted for a significant amount of variance in mental and physical quality of life at 8 months for patients (40% and 34%, respectively) and spouses (43% and 24%, respectively). Appraisal mediated the effect of several antecedent variables on quality of life. In addition, several partner effects (e.g., spouse variables influencing patient outcomes) were found.

Conclusions

Prostate cancer patients need interventions that assist them to manage the effects of their disease. The stress-coping model suggests skills in several areas that could be improved. Programs need to include spouses because they also are negatively affected by the disease and can influence patient outcomes.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA

    Trace S. Kershaw Ph.D.

  2. College of Nursing, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA

    Darlene W. Mood Ph.D. & Ulka Vaishampayan M.D.

  3. School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Gail Newth M.S.N., R.N., David L. Ronis Ph.D. & Laurel L. Northouse Ph.D., R.N.

  4. Ann Arbor Veterans Administration Health Services Research and Development Center of Excellence, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    David L. Ronis Ph.D.

  5. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Martin G. Sanda M.D.

  6. Karmanos Cancer Center, Detroit, MI, USA

    Ulka Vaishampayan M.D.

Authors
  1. Trace S. Kershaw Ph.D.
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  2. Darlene W. Mood Ph.D.
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  3. Gail Newth M.S.N., R.N.
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  4. David L. Ronis Ph.D.
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  5. Martin G. Sanda M.D.
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  6. Ulka Vaishampayan M.D.
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  7. Laurel L. Northouse Ph.D., R.N.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Trace S. Kershaw Ph.D..

Additional information

Grant support: R01CA90739 from NCI (L. Northouse PI).

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Cite this article

Kershaw, T.S., Mood, D.W., Newth, G. et al. Longitudinal Analysis of a Model to Predict Quality of Life in Prostate Cancer Patients and their Spouses. ann. behav. med. 36, 117–128 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-008-9058-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-008-9058-3

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