Me. Kurtz et al., THE INTERACTION OF AGE, SYMPTOMS, AND SURVIVAL STATUS ON PHYSICAL ANDMENTAL-HEALTH OF PATIENTS WITH CANCER AND THEIR FAMILIES, Cancer, 74(7), 1994, pp. 2071-2078
Background. During the course of cancer treatment and as the disease p
rogresses, symptoms may worsen and physical status may deteriorate. Th
e interaction of age, symptoms, and nearness to death on the physical
and mental health of patients and family members has not been examined
. The research questions in this paper focus on how age and survival s
tatus influence the frequency and severity of patients' symptoms and d
ependencies in functioning. The impact of patient age and survival sta
tus on family depression, schedule, and health also are explored. Meth
ods. Cancer patients in treatment and their caregiver dyads (n = 208)
were followed for 12 months. Survival status was measured by those who
survived the year, those who died within 6 months, and those who died
between 6 and 12 months. Measures used included frequency and severit
y counts of patient symptoms, functioning (activities of daily living
[ADL] and immobility), depression, frequency of others' assistance to
caregivers, and caregiver reactions to care. Analysis of variance was
applied to test for significant differences according to age and survi
val status. Results. Symptoms did vary significantly by survival statu
s; however, age demonstrated no independent effect on patient variable
s including: symptom severity, patient depression, and ADL or immobili
ty. When controlling for symptom severity and age, survival group had
no effect on ADL status. For immobility, survival status continued to
have a direct impact. Survival status does not influence dependencies
in ADL but is related directly to losses in mobility. Significant diff
erences occurred by survival groups for caregiver depression, caregive
r reactions, and patient assistance. Conclusions. Strategies for assis
ting patients and families to deal with immobility are important. Fami
ly members require assistance for their distress as patient status det
eriorates.