Abstract
Objective:
To investigate quality of life and its correlations with psychosocial factors (anxiety, depression and low self-esteem) in men who underwent prostatectomy.
Methods:
A descriptive, correlational study with 85 men who underwent radical prostatectomy at least three months and at most five years prior to the survey. The instruments used were the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer- QLQ C30, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer “Prostate Cancer” 25 items - EORTC QLQ-PR25; the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.
Results:
Participants showed impairment of quality of life associated with impairment of sexual function and presence of urinary symptoms. There was a correlation between the psychosocial aspects and some quality of life assessment scales, mainly the functional and symptom scales.
Conclusion:
It was shown that radical prostatectomy causes impairment in the quality of life of men, requiring care from health professionals to minimize the effects of the most common complications. Educational interventions and multi-professional support based on a better understanding of the physical and psychosocial implications are recommended to help improve the quality of life of men after radical prostatectomy.
Keywords
Quality of life; Prostatectomy; Prostatic neoplasms; Psychosocial impact