Predictors of Quality of Life Among Colorectal Cancer Survivors in Malaysia: A 6-Month Follow-Up Study

Background: Quality of life (QoL) is a crucial outcome measure in cancer care. This study aimed to identify predictors of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among colorectal cancer (CRC) patients in Malaysia. Methods: The study was conducted from January 2021 to July 2022, recruiting CRC patients from two teaching hospitals in Malaysia. The validated Malay versions of EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR29 questionnaires assessed physical, psychological, and social functioning. Patients were evaluated at 6 months post-treatment to determine QoL predictors. Results: Among 87 CRC patients (55.2% male, mean age 59.8±11.8 years), 37.9% had stage III disease and 13.8% had stage IV. Most patients (93%) underwent surgery and 78% received chemotherapy. The mean Global Health Status score was 66.57±20.75. Multivariate analysis revealed that older age (p = 0.03), advanced cancer stage (p = 0.017), lower body weight (p = 0.017), and reduced hip circumference (p = 0.040) significantly predicted poorer QoL. Nutritional parameters specifically predicted functional domains: lower body weight and BMI predicted role and cognitive function, while lower hip circumference predicted emotional function. Conclusions: Advanced age, disease stage, and nutritional status are significant predictors of QoL in Malaysian CRC patients. These findings highlight the importance of nutritional assessment and intervention in CRC survivorship care to optimize patient outcomes.