Symptom perception and functioning in patients with advanced cancer.

Abstract

PurposeTo explore how symptom perception affects functioning in patients with advanced cancer.Materials and methodsWe conducted a cross-sectional observational study of 459 advanced cancer patients at the national cancer center. Functioning was assessed using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) II, and symptoms were evaluated using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to develop a structural model based on different symptom perceptions, such as somatic sensation and experienced symptoms.ResultsThe structural model of disability revealed a significant direct pathway involving somatic sensation (β = 16.11, p ConclusionsOur findings suggest that relationships to functioning may vary between somatic sensations versus experienced symptoms. The structure of symptoms is best conceptualized by direct somatic sensation and indirect experienced symptoms. A better understanding of symptom perception and the relationship between symptoms and function would facilitate the development of effective rehabilitation programs.