Coping Behaviors and Health Related Quality of Life of Geriatric Patients with Cancer

Cancer is common in old age; more than 60% of all malignancies are found in 12% ofthe population 65 years and older. Objective: To identify the coping behaviors and the healthrelated quality of life of geriatric patients with cancer, to determine the relationship betweencoping behaviors and health related quality of life of geriatric patients with cancer. Setting:The outpatient clinic in Mansoura University Oncology Center. Subjects: The study wascarried out on 143 geriatric patients diagnosed with cancer. Tools: Three tools were used fordata collection: Socio demographic and clinical data structured interview schedule, JaloweicCoping Scale and EORTC-QLQ-C30 Version 3.0 Questionnaire. Results: A statisticallysignificant relation was found between Affective-oriented coping behaviors and Problemoriented coping behaviors. Also, between problem-oriented coping behaviors and Globalhealth status/QoL. Conclusion: Geriatric patients with cancer used affective oriented copingbehaviors more than problem oriented coping behaviors to adapt with their condition. Alsothey have a poor QoL and symptom problem. Recommendations: Education of geriatricpatients with cancer how to use problem solving coping strategies rather than emotionalcoping strategies.