Factors Influencing Quality of Life in Pancreatic Cancer Patients Undergoing Home-Based Chemotherapy via Disposable Infusion Pumps

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the level of quality of life (QoL) and the factors influencing it among patients with pancreatic cancer receiving home-based FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy via disposable infusion pumps.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 111 adults receiving FOLFIRINOX at a tertiary hospital who continued 46-hour 5-fluorouracil infusions at home. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires and electronic medical records. The measures included the EORTC QLQ-C30, the Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease 6-item Scale, a modified self-care performance tool, and the National Cancer Center Psychological Symptom Inventory. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis. Results: The mean QoL score was 59.99 (SD=21.87). QoL showed significant positive correlations with functional status (r=.59, p<.001) and self-efficacy (r=.50, p<.001), and a negative correlation with symptom burden (r=-.56, p<.001). The regression model was significant (F=13.56, p<.001) and explained 40.7% of the variance in QoL. Higher functional status (β=.40, p=.002) and greater self-efficacy (β=.24, p=.009) were associated with higher QoL, whereas appetite loss was associated with lower QoL (β=-.20, p=.041). Conclusion: Functional status, self-efficacy, and appetite loss were key determinants of QoL in patients receiving home-based FOLFIRINOX. Nursing interventions should focus on maintaining functional status, increasing self-efficacy, and providing targeted nutritional management to improve QoL.