Introduction: Lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is associated with\nfatigue, poor mental and poor gastrointestinal health during the first three\nmonths after colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment. Research indicates that\nmaintaining usual activities has a positive impact on HRQoL after treatment\nfor CRC. Illness perceptions have been associated with HRQoL in other cancer\ndiseases, and self-efficacy has been associated with HRQoL in gastrointestinal\ncancer survivors. Our knowledge about illness perceptions and selfefficacy\nin relation to maintaining everyday activities and HRQoL following\nCRC treatment is incomplete. Aim: To explore associations between HRQoL,\nfatigue, mental health, gastrointestinal health, illness perceptions and selfefficacy\nin relation to maintaining everyday activities, three months after surgical\nCRC treatment. A further aim was to test the Maintain Function Scale in\na CRC population. Method: The study was cross-sectional. Forty-six persons\nparticipated. Data were collected using questionnaires. Descriptive and analytical\nstatistics were used. Results: Persons who were more fatigued, depressed,\nworried, and had more diarrhea were more likely to report lower\nHRQoL. Increased fatigue and diarrhea were associated with decreased\nHRQoL. Concerning illness perceptions, persons who reported negative emotions\nand negative consequences of CRC were more likely to report lower\nHRQoL. Persons scoring higher on self-efficacy were more likely to report\nhigher HRQoL. Increased self-efficacy was associated with increased HRQoL.\nThe Maintain Function Scale was suitable for assessing self-efficacy in relation\nto maintaining everyday activities. Conclusions: Nursing support to\nimprove self-efficacy and illness perceptions and to minimize symptoms\nduring recovery should have a favorable impact on HRQoL.
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