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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Joanne Patterson, Dr Liya Lu, Laura-Jayne Watson, Professor Linda Sharp
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© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.Objective: To investigate associations between markers of social functioning (trouble with social eating and social contact), depression and health-related quality of life (QOL) among head and neck cancer survivors. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis included individuals with oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, salivary gland and thyroid cancers from Head and Neck 5000 alive at 12 months. Trouble with social eating and social contact were measured using items from EORTC QLQ-H&N35 and QOL using EORTC QLQ-C30; responses were converted into a score of 0–100, with a higher score equalling more trouble or better QOL. A HADS subscale score of ≥8 was considered significant depression. Associations between tertiles of trouble with social eating and social contact and depression and QoL were assessed using multivariable logistic and linear regression (with robust errors), respectively. Results: Of 2561 survivors, 23% reported significant depression. The median QOL score was 75.0 (interquartile range 58.3–83.3). For trouble with social eating, after confounder adjustment, those in the intermediate and highest tertiles had higher odds of depression (intermediate: OR = 4.5, 95% CI 3.19–6.45; high: OR = 21.8, 15.17–31.18) and lower QOL (intermediate:β = −8.7, 95% CI −10.35 to −7.14; high: β = −24.8, −26.91 to −22.77). Results were similar for trouble with social contact. Conclusion: We found strong clinically important associations between markers of social functioning and depression and QOL. More effective interventions addressing social eating and contact are required. These may help survivors regain their independence, reduce levels of isolation and loneliness, and depression, and improve QOL outcomes generally.
Author(s): Patterson JM, Lu L, Watson L-J, Harding S, Ness AR, Thomas S, Waylen A, Pring M, Waterboer T, Sharp L
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Psycho-Oncology
Year: 2022
Volume: 31
Issue: 3
Pages: 478-485
Print publication date: 01/03/2022
Online publication date: 30/09/2021
Acceptance date: 15/09/2021
ISSN (print): 1057-9249
ISSN (electronic): 1099-1611
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd
URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.5830
DOI: 10.1002/pon.5830
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