Predicting Quality of Life from Symptom Experience and Symptom Management Behaviors in Women with Ovarian Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Women with ovarian cancer receiving chemotherapy commonly experience multiple distressing symptoms that adversely affect quality of life; however, empirical evidence on symptom experiences and management behaviors, and their influence on quality of life among this population in Thailand, remains limited. Thus, this cross-sectional study in Thailand aimed to describe these experiences and behaviors, to predict quality of life in women with ovarian cancer receiving chemotherapy. Ninety-six women with ovarian cancer receiving chemotherapy at a university hospital were recruited using purposive sampling. Instruments used were the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory–Ovarian Cancer, a Modif ied Self-Care Diary, and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Ovarian. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rho correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression. Participants experienced multiple concurrent symptoms, with numbness/tingling and fatigue reported most frequently. Overall symptom severity and interference were mild; however, neuropathy and fatigue were perceived as the most severe symptoms. Symptom management effectiveness was moderate, with hair loss and nausea showing the greatest improvement, whereas neuropathy remained poorly managed. Overall quality of life was rated as good. Symptom experiences—occurrence, severity, and interference—were significantly associated with overall quality of life. However, the association between symptom management effectiveness and quality of life was not significant. Combined, symptom experiences and management effectiveness explained 28.6% of the variance in quality of life. Only symptom interference was a significant negative predictor of quality of life. These f indings emphasize the need for nurses to conduct routine and comprehensive symptom assessments and implement targeted interventions, particularly to reduce symptom interference, neuropathy, and fatigue, to improve quality of life in women with ovarian cancer receiving chemotherapy.