Relationships between Anxiety, Depression, Low Anterior Resection Syndrome, and Quality of Life Following Lower Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer

저위전방절제술을 받은 직장암 환자의 불안, 우울, 저위전방절제증후군, 삶의 질과의 관계

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between anxiety, depression, low anterior resection syndrome, and quality of life after lower anterior resection for rectal cancer. Methods: The participants of this study were 105 rectal cancer patients who visited the outpatient department of a hospital in Seoul for treatment or follow-up consultations. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires and clinical records. To measure the variables, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Low Anterior Resection Syndrome Score, and Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 were utilized. Data were subsequently analyzed using the SPSS/WIN 20.0 program. Results: Low anterior resection syndrome was more severe among patients whose cancer was located closer to the anus, and had a greater range of resection in those who received neoadjuvant treatment. When anxiety, depression, and low anterior resection syndrome score were higher, quality of life scores were lower. Conclusion: These results suggest that low anterior resection syndrome may negatively impact quality of life. Therefore, it is necessary to provide patients with symptom management support/assistance through evidence-based nursing interventions, and evaluations of low anterior resection syndrome to relieve anxiety and depression, and thus enhance quality of life.