Systematic review and meta-analysis identifies factors influencing quality of life in colorectal cancer survivors
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Key Takeaway
Consider that psychological distress, depression, fatigue, and symptom burden are negatively associated with quality of life in colorectal cancer survivors.
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined factors influencing quality of life in colorectal cancer survivors. The review synthesized evidence on physical, psychological, and social factors. The sample size and setting were not reported.
Key findings showed negative associations with quality of life for fatigue (effect size -0.567), symptom experiences (-0.474), psychological distress (-0.737), and depression (-0.590). Positive associations were found for self-efficacy (0.640), resilience (0.439), body image (0.412), and social support (0.381). Confidence intervals and p-values were not reported.
The authors did not report limitations or certainty of evidence. As a meta-analysis of observational associations, causal conclusions cannot be drawn. The absence of reported confidence intervals limits the precision of effect estimates.
Clinicians should recognize these factors as potentially relevant to quality of life in colorectal cancer survivors, but the evidence is associative and may be subject to confounding. Further research with rigorous designs is needed to inform interventions.
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View Original Abstract ↓
AIMS: To evaluate the effect sizes of factors influencing quality of life among colorectal cancer survivors.
DESIGN: This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS: This study was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Ten international and Korean databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, SCOPUS, were searched from January 2000 to October 2024. Methodological quality was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist. Effect sizes (Esr) were calculated using Fisher's Z transformation. Publication bias was evaluated using Egger's test, funnel plots, and trim-and-fill methods.
RESULTS: Physical factors included fatigue (ESr -0.567) and symptom experiences (ESr -0.474). Psychological distress showed the strongest negative association (ESr -0.737), followed by depression (ESr -0.590). Self-efficacy (ESr 0.640), resilience (ESr 0.439), and body image (ESr 0.412) demonstrated positive associations. Social support was positively associated (ESr 0.381).
CONCLUSION: Quality of life among colorectal cancer survivors is associated with physical, psychological, and social factors including fatigue, symptoms, distress, depression, self-efficacy, resilience, body image, and social support.
PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public involvement in this systematic review and meta-analysis.
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