THE INFLUENCE OF PERSONAL EXPECTATIONS ON CANCER-PATIENTS REPORTS OF HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY-OF-LIFE

The role of personal expectations on reports of health-related quality of life (HRQL) in the context of a set of other variables commonly th ought to affect patient report of HRQL was examined. The complete set of predictor variables included: (1) patient factors including age, ge nder, race, education, income, insurance type, living arrangement and expectations; and (2) clinical factors namely performance status ratin g (PSR), diagnosis and disease stage. The outcome measures included fi ve dimensions of HRQL (relationship with physician, physical, social, emotional and functional well being) and an overall measure of HRQL. F ive variables (PSR, expectation rating, age, living arrangement and ma naged care enrollment) exerted significant effects on the summated rat ing of HRQL. Older cancer patients, those living with others, those en rolled in managed care organizations and those who report better-than- expected experience are more likely to have a higher overall HRQL. In addition to treating the disease itself, quality of life can possibly be enhanced by narrowing the disparities between individuals' expectat ions and what actually occurs. Patients would likely therefore benefit from being encouraged to set and maintain realistic goals concerning their cancer prognosis and treatment process. ((C) 1997 by John Wiley Sr Sons, Ltd.).