The role of occupational-participation, meaningful-activity and quality-of-life of colorectal cancer survivors: findings from path-modelling

• Main Authors: Loh, Siew Yim, Sapihis, Musaropah, Danaee, Mahmoud, Chua, Yan Piaw
• Format: Article
• Published: Taylor & Francis Ltd 2021
• Subjects: RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/26748/
• Institution: Universiti Malaya

Purpose: This novel study aims to explore the relationship between occupational participation, meaningful activity, and the health-related quality of life of people living with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer Methods: A cross-sectional study design with 113 colorectal cancer survivors (from two large public hospitals in Malaysia) was conducted. Data collection tools included the Occupational Participation Questionnaire, Engagement in Meaningful-activities, and the European Organization for Research and Treatment in Cancer Quality of Life (QOL) Questionnaire. Data analyses were conducted using SmartPLS to examine path analyses between the three measures. Results: There were independent significant relationships between (1) occupational participation, and (2) meaningful activity engagements on the dependent variable of QOL in this cohort of cancer survivors. More importantly, the result showed that ``meaningful-activity'' positively and significantly mediates the path between occupational participation and quality of life beta = 0.250 (0.46*0.59), rho < 0.001(t = 3.91)]. Conclusions: Engagement in meaningful activity mediates the occupational participation of a cohort of colorectal survivors, and produces an impact on their quality of life. This study demonstrates that ``occupational participation'' (an important construct in occupational therapy), has the potential to improve colorectal cancer survivors' quality of lives. Therefore, the role of occupational therapists must be optimized within the oncology team, to improve occupational participation and patients' abilities to engage in meaningful activities for better quality of life.