Perceived stress and quality of life among prostate cancer survivors

ABSTRACT A convenience sample of 136 prostate cancer survivors participated in this study that assessed their perception of stress and quality of life (QOL). Data were collected via an anonymous questionnaire consisting of the Perceived Stress Scale, the UCLA Prostate Cancer Index Short Form, and demographic variables. The findings revealed low levels of stress with marginal reports of QOL. Significant differences were found in organ-specific functioning (p < 0.001), with respondents indicating that they were experiencing a disproportionately higher rate of sexual problems (sexual performance and sexual satisfaction) compared to bowel and bladder problems. These complaints were highest among patients who had undergone prostatectomy and lowest among patients who had selected watchful waiting. No association was found between stress and QOL, but significantly higher rates of stress were reported by patients who felt they had not received sufficient information before treatment (p < 0.05).