Correlates of Physical Health Comorbidities Among Adult Female Cancer Survivors in South Korea.

Abstract

Objectives: To determine correlates of comorbidities in adult female Korean cancer survivors.

Sample & setting: This cross-sectional study used data from the 2017-2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The study sample consisted of adult female Korean cancer survivors (N = 609) aged 19 years or older.

Methods & variables: Comorbidities were assessed using an adapted Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Bivariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted to identify correlates of comorbidities. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, cancer-related characteristics, and comorbidities.

Results: The mean adapted CCI score was 2.4. Type of cancer and years since diagnosis were significant correlates of comorbidity. Other significant correlates included high body mass index, physical inactivity, low income, having less than a college education, being a former or current smoker, and having never smoked.

Implications for nursing: Many correlates of comorbidities in adult female Korean cancer survivors are consistent with those reported in other countries, including in the United States. Nurses can assess and educate cancer survivors on modifiable risk factors to prevent health comorbidities in cancer survivorship care.