Exploring Health Care Needs and HR ‐ QOL Among Women With Cancer: A Principal Component Analysis Before and 6 Months After Treatment Initiation

AIM: To examine the characteristics of the health care needs corresponding to the medical care process and HR-QOL of women with cancer. DESIGN: A descriptive design was adopted. METHODS: The study's participants were 122 women with cancer who completed a survey before and 6 months after treatment initiation. A principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted on a set of 12 health care satisfaction scores at each point. Correlations were examined between the resulting components and HR-QOL indicators, including subjective well-being, symptoms, symptom-related interference, anxiety and depression. RESULTS: Most participants reported high health care satisfaction in both phases. PCA indicated the presence of 3 distinct domains: satisfaction with health care, health care management and supportive care. In both phases, these domains accounted for about 60% of the variance, while the remaining 40% was unexplained. Only satisfaction with health care was correlated with HR-QOL at both phases, with particularly strong associations observed for subjective well-being and depression at 6 months. Before treatment initiation, the item of 'nursing care and practice' received the highest average score, but demonstrated a negative loading on the component of 'satisfaction with health care management'. The component of 'satisfaction with supportive care needs' was retained at both phases. CONCLUSION: Health care plays a pivotal role in maintaining patients' quality of life, while supportive care and the integration of nursing practice within health care management remain essential. IMPLICATIONS FOR PATIENT CARE: High satisfaction scores do not necessarily mean that all health care needs are met. Addressing unmet needs from the perspective of HR-QOL and ensuring continuous supportive care throughout the treatment process is imperative. PATIENT CONTRIBUTION: Data provided by women with cancer was used.