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Ingalill Rahm Hallberg

Ingalill Rahm Hallberg

Professor emerita

Ingalill Rahm Hallberg

Quality of life of elderly persons with cancer: a 6-month follow-up

Author

  • Bente Appel Esbensen
  • Kell Osterlind
  • Ingalill Rahm Hallberg

Summary, in English

The aim of this study was to investigate possible changes in quality of life (QoL) in elderly persons diagnosed with cancer (65 years and above), in relation to age, contact with the health-care system, activities of daily living, hope, social network and support. The investigation points were at time of diagnosis (baseline), and again 3 and 6 months after the diagnosis. The study also aimed to investigate which of the aforementioned factors predicted deteriorated QoL in elderly persons with cancer from baseline to the 6-month investigation. At baseline, the sample consisted of 101 individuals aged (age 65+) recently diagnosed with cancer (74 women, 27 men), but was reduced to 75 (57 women, 18 men) by the 6-month investigation point. EORTC QLQ C30, Katz ADL, Nowotny's Hope Scale and Interview Schedule for Social Interaction were used in structured personal interviews and questionnaires. Emotional function improved significantly over time, and complaints of nausea and vomiting decreased. Contact with a district nurse at baseline predicted deteriorated QoL from baseline to 6 months later. Support from grandchildren increased significantly. About 30% of the total sample deteriorated in QoL, by the significant >= 10 units, from baseline to 6-month follow-up, while about 70% remained stable in QoL from baseline. The majority of the elderly persons with cancer showed an ability to adjust to the new condition. However, in clinical practice, specific attention should be paid to the most vulnerable groups of elderly persons with cancer: those with advanced disease and decreased hope, and those with increased need of both informal and formal assistance.

Department/s

  • Department of Health Sciences

Publishing year

2007

Language

English

Pages

178-190

Publication/Series

Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences

Volume

21

Issue

2

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell

Topic

  • Nursing

Keywords

  • trajectory
  • social network and support
  • hope
  • aged 65+
  • activities of daily living
  • district nurse
  • grandchildren

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 1471-6712