Effects of Regular Exercise, Arts (Origami), and Group Psychotherapy on the Quality of Life, Anxiety, Depression, Patient Satisfaction, and Hope in Cancer Patients in Remission: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Background: Cancer is a critical public health problem worldwide. Some studies found that group psychotherapy, when applied to cancer patients as a psychiatric approach, also decreases the existing psychopathological symptoms. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effects of a Quality-of-Life Support Program (QOLSP) for cancer patients in remission. Methods: Twenty-six cancer patients who were monitored while in remission were included in this study. During the eight-week prospective study, a QOLSP was implemented weekly. The patients’ hope, anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QoL) were assessed using different scales. Additional questionnaires assessed the status of program satisfaction and the arm utilization angle of the breast cancer patients (n=20). Results: The total mean score on the hope scale was initially 25.6±3.9 and increased to 29.7±1.9 post-QOLSP (P˂0.001). Additionally, the total mean score on the EORTC QLQ-C30 scale was initially 68.9±4.9 and increased to 92.6±2.2 post-QOLSP (P˂0.001). Moreover, the total mean anxiety and depression scores on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) decreased (P<0.001) post-QOLSP. Factors affecting the hope score differences, including the hope pre-score and the sap score (Loss of Appetite), in the EORTC QLQ-C30 symptom scale were significant (P<0.001 and P=0.01, respectively). Factors affecting the anxiety and depression score differences were the HADS anxiety (P=0.001) and depression (P<0.001) pre-scores, in descending order. Moreover, the factor affecting the sql2 score, evaluating General Health Status on the EORTC QLQ-C30, was the sql2 pre-score (P<0.001). All 26 patients were “very satisfied” with the program, and the arm usage angle of the 20 operated breast cancer patients improved. Conclusion: Facilities that can provide a multidisciplinary QOLSP throughout treatment and follow-up will favorably affect QoL, anxiety, depression, hope, and satisfaction among cancer patients.