Predictors for quality of life of bladder cancer patients with ileal conduit: A cross-sectional survey

PurposeTo assess quality of life (QOL) and its influencing factors of bladder cancer patients after ileal conduit.MethodsFrom January 2012 to December 2013, a cross-sectional survey with questionnaires was performed in West China hospital, in which the effect of patient characteristics on their QOL was evaluated, and then the correlation of stomal self-management, social support and QOL of the patients were also explored.ResultsA total of 188 patients were included. Poor sexual life satisfaction was common among responders. There was a positive correlation between QOL and social support as well as the stomal self-management (all p ≤ 0.002). Additionally, the patients who were female, aged less than 60, participated in work, family income more than 4000¥ per month, a longer postoperative period, and without any stomal complications (all p < 0.05) would have a better QOL.ConclusionsThe overall QOL of the patients was good except the satisfaction with sexual life. The better the stomal self-management and social support, the better the QOL. Personalized nursing care and health guidance should be provided to the patients, so as to improve their QOL and promote their health.