The relationship between function, quality of life and coping in patients with low-grade gliomas

Abstract

Objectives: The principal aim of the study was to describe function, quality of life and coping with illness-related problems in patients with low-grade gliomas (LGG), to evaluate the need of support. A second aim was to investigate how function, quality of life and coping were related.

Materials and methods: Thirty-nine patients with a diagnosis of LGG answered the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30) and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ). The patients' level of function was assessed in accordance with the WHO performance status scale.

Results and discussion: Nearly all patients were capable of self-care, but less than half were able to carry out normal activities without restriction. Problems with fatigue, sleep disturbances and pain were most frequent. Most difficulties were reported in the domains, Role, Cognitive and Emotional functioning. Seventeen patients (45%) had scores indicating low overall quality of life. Ratings of overall quality of life and fatigue had the strongest relationship. The trend in the results suggested that mental problems have a stronger impact on quality of life than physical ones. Emotion-focused coping dominated. There was a significant relationship between coping by escape-avoidance and lower level of emotional functioning.

Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that a multidisciplinary team is needed for assessment and treatment of the different problems in patients with LGG. Furthermore, special attention should be paid to patients who use coping by escape-avoidance, as this is associated with emotional distress.