Factors associated with health-related quality of life in older cancer survivors: A secondary analysis of data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019–2021)

Abstract

Background: The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of older cancer survivors is emerging as an important public health issue as the older adult population continues to grow. Objective: This study aimed to identify factors affecting HRQoL among older cancer survivors and to examine age-related differences. Methods: This study used secondary data from the 8th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019 and 2021). The inclusion criteria were cancer survivors aged 65 years and older. A total of 158 older cancer survivors were identified from 15,200 respondents. Participants were classified into two groups: 89 young-old and 69 old-old individuals. Linear regression analyses were conducted using sampling weights and a complex survey design to identify factors associated with HRQoL. Results: Factors affecting HRQoL differed between the two age groups. Among young-old cancer survivors, activity limitations (B = -0.09, p = 0.027), depression (B = -0.16, p < 0.001), self-rated health (B = 0.07, p = 0.019), and stress (B = -0.11, p < 0.001) were significant influencing factors. In the old-old group, significant factors included activity limitations (B = -0.07, p = 0.002), alcohol consumption (B = 0.11, p < 0.001), pronunciation problems (B = -0.08, p = 0.011), sex (B = 0.08, p = 0.003), and stress (B = -0.06, p = 0.001). Activity limitations and stress were common factors associated with reduced HRQoL in both age groups. Conclusion: HRQoL among older cancer survivors was associated with age. Age-specific nursing interventions are needed to improve HRQoL in older cancer survivors by addressing activity limitations and stress, with additional focus on psychological and oral health needs.