Everyday activities when living at home with advanced cancer: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at exploring everyday activities of people with advanced cancer living at home: which everyday activities they perform; perceived and observed quality of performance of self-care and household activities; which activities they would like to be able to perform; and determine any gender differences.

METHODS: Outpatients (n = 164) with advanced cancer were recruited from Danish oncology units. Data were based on medical hospital records, standardised questionnaires, a 1-day diary, standardised interviews and standardised observations. All data were subject to descriptive and statistical analyses.

RESULTS: More than 95% of the study sample was classified in ECOG performance status 1 and 2. Compared to population-based norms, the participants reported lower levels of global health and quality of life, as well as lower physical and role functioning. Across gender, participants spent the majority of the day involved in self-care and leisure activities. They reported to perform self-care independently without risk, although 60% reported problems with mobility. While heavy household activities were reported as most problematic, participants prioritised support to engage in more active leisure and social activities.

CONCLUSION: People with advanced cancer experience problems related to performance of and engagement in everyday activities indicating a need for palliative rehabilitation services.