Social Factors Affecting the Quality of Life in Older Iranians Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer

Background and Objectives: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a significant health concern among older adults, particularly in socio-economically deprived areas such as Iran. Understanding how PCa impacts older individuals' quality of life (QoL) in these regions is crucial for developing targeted interventions and support mechanisms. This study investigates the relationship between social factors and the quality of life (QoL) in older Iranian men diagnosed with PCa in the cities of Isfahan and Shahrekord in 2023.<br /> Methods: In this cross-sectional study, conducted in 2023, 213 patients diagnosed with PCa were recruited from Isfahan and Shahrekord, Iran.We used (EORTC-QLQ-C30), (EORTC QLQPR25) scales, and a researcher-designed questionnaire for data collection to measure social factors affecting the QoL. Descriptive statistics, inter-correlations, and multivariate analysis were utilized to identify significant associations and independent predictors of QoL.<br /> Results: While participants reported high scores in emotional and cognitive function (indicating better QoL), they also experienced higher levels of pain, fatigue, urinary problems, and financial difficulties. Notably, social support and social participation demonstrated statistically significant positive correlations with QoL (P < 0.05). Moreover, multivariate analysis revealed that social factors significantly predicted QoL, explaining 65.1% of the variance.<br /> Conclusion: This study highlights the substantial influence of social support and participation on QoL in older Iranian men with PCa. These findings underscore the critical role of social interventions in enhancing the well-being of this vulnerable population.