Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between cognitive function impairment and quality of life (QoL) among patients with breast cancer. Specifically, the intention was to verify the mediating effects for promoting behaviors leading to better health and QoL. Methods: A purposive sample of 152 patients undergoing chemotherapy was recruited. A cross-sectional survey design was used. Data were collected using four instruments: Everyday Cognition Scale, Korean Mini-Mental State Examination, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast Cancer Version 4, and Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile. Results: The mean score for subjective cognitive decline was 65.84; the health promotion behavior was 95.89, and 83.34 for QoL. Health promotion behavior was directly affected by cognitive decline ($R^2=6.0%$) as was QoL ($R^2=43%$). Subjective cognitive decline (${\beta}=-.57$ p<.001) and health promotion behavior (${\beta}=.37$, p<.001) were seen as predicting factors in QoL and explained 56% ($R^2=56%$). Health promotion behavior had a partial mediating effect in the relationship between self-reported cognitive decline and QoL (Sobel test: Z=-3.37, p<.001). Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, nursing intervention programs focusing on managing cognitive decline and promoting health promotion behavior are highly recommended to improve QoL in cancer patients.

Keywords

• Quality of life;
• Cognitive function;
• Health promotion;
• Breast neoplasms

• 인지기능;
• 건강증진;
• 삶의 질;
• 유방암;