Applying ICF Framework to Explore the Factors That Influence Quality of Life in Patients After Lung Surgery

Abstract

Objective To explore the relationship between pulmonary function, physical activity, and health-related quality of life (QoL) in resected lung cancer patients based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework developed by the World Health Organization to describe health and health-related states. Methods A quantitative study was designed with postoperative lung cancer survivors to assess personal characteristics. We also assessed functional impairment related to the lung using forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1), activity limitations using maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), anaerobic threshold (AT) and 6-minute walking distance (6MWD), and participation restriction using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey V1 (SF-36). Data analyses were conducted using the multivariate method and SmartPLS to examine path coefficient among the measures. Results Forty-one patients were enrolled in this study. FVC and FEV1 were poorly correlated with QoL, and 6MWD, AT, or VO2max were positively associated with QoL. AT or VO2max showed a significant (p<0.01) direct path with SF-36 in the ICF model. Although age and body mass index were not strongly correlated with QoL, these personal factors had a medium to large effect on perceived QoL. Conclusion Disability is a complex in patients with lung resection, and physical activity plays an important role in enabling participation. Improving VO2max and AT is needed to improve the QoL of resected lung cancer patients. We should also pay more attention to contextual factors that have a significant impact on social participation.

Keywords

• latent class analysis
• lung neoplasms
• quality of life
• international classification of functioning, disability and health
• factors