Effects of selfcare and selected factors on the quality of life in women with breast cancer-related lymphedema

Abstract

Background This study was performed to examine the effects of selfcare and selected factors on the quality of life in women with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Methods The study was descriptive and cross-sectional and included 101 women with BCRL. Data were gathered with a descriptive characteristics questionnaire, the Lymphedema Quality of Life Scale-Arm and the Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema Selfcare Scale. Obtained data were analyzed with numbers, percentages, mean, and multiple regression analysis. Results The lowest and the highest scores of the women with lymphedema (LE) on the Lymphedema Quality of Life Scale-Arm were 35 and 71 respectively with a mean of 52.63 +/- 11.81. The lowest and the highest scores to be obtained from this scale are 20 and 80 respectively. The quality of life was predicted significantly and positively by time elapsing after the diagnosis of breast cancer and significantly and negatively by time elapsing after the diagnosis of LE and selfcare (p < 0.05). Other variables did not individually affect the quality of life (p > 0.05). Conclusion Since selfcare influences the quality of life, patients with BCRL should be given education and support for selfcare, the quality of their lives should be regularly evaluated, and interventions that enhance the quality of their lives should be conducted.