Determinants of quality of life in individuals with a dual diagnosis of resectable pancreatic cancer and diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVES: To explore the associations among clinical characteristics, fatigue, diabetes mellitus (DM) self-care activities, and quality of life (QOL) in individuals with resectable pancreatic cancer and DM. SAMPLE & SETTING: 57 individuals with resectable pancreatic cancer and DM from an outpatient pancreatic surgical department in Taiwan were included in the final analysis. METHODS & VARIABLES: A cross-sectional, correlational design was used. QOL, fatigue, and DM self-care were measured by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QOL Questionnaire–Core 30, the Fatigue Symptom Inventory, and the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities. RESULTS: Participants who had a shorter duration of DM and higher levels of fatigue (including intensity, duration, and interference) reported lower QOL scores. Participants who performed more DM self-care activities and physical activity per week had higher QOL scores. Fatigue, DM self-care activities, and DM duration were significant factors related to QOL. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Shorter DM duration, increased fatigue, and fewer DM self-care activities were determinants of worse QOL in individuals with resectable pancreatic cancer and DM.