Table 3.
Summary of factors relating to HRQoL/psychological outcomes by degree of evidence
| Factor | Total Studies (n) | Studies Reporting Significant Relationship (n) | Studies Reporting Mixed Evidence (n) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evidence of significant negative relationships to outcomes | |||
| Current level of anxiety and worry | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Current level of depression | 5 | 4 | 1 |
| Current level of functional impairment | 5 | 4 | 1 |
| Current level of motor impairment | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Current use of corticosteroids | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| History of mental health problems | 3 | 2a | 0 |
| Symptom: cognitive impairment | 7 | 6 | 0 |
| Symptom: fatigue | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Evidence of significant positive relationships to outcomes | |||
| KPS | 8 | 7 | 1 |
| Evidence of no significant relationships to outcomes | |||
| Age | 12 | 0 | 1 |
| Current level of neurological function | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Ethnicity | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Marital status | 11 | 1 | 1 |
| Radiotherapy/chemotherapy schedules | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Sex | 13 | 2 | 1 |
| Symptom: language problems | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Symptom: seizures | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Time from diagnosis | 6 | 0 | 1 |
| Tumor grade | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| Tumor site/laterality | 13 | 3 | 1 |
| Tumor volume | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Inconclusive evidence of relationships to outcomes | |||
| Current use of AEDs | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Extent of resection | 9 | 3 | 1 |
| Level of education | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| Recurrence | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Evidence only available from one study | |||
| Changes in appearance | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Current level of physical inactivity | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Current level of sleep quality | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Current level of illness-related uncertainty | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Symptom: confusion | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Symptom: daytime sleepiness | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Symptom: headache | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Symptom: loss of consciousness | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Symptom: pain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Symptom: papilledema | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Symptom: personality changes | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Symptom: sensory problems | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Symptom: sexual dysfunction | 1 | 1 | 0 |
aOne additional study reported descriptive statistics only, indicating greater postdiagnostic mood difficulties in patients with previous mental health difficulties.
Abbreviations: AED, antiepileptic drug; HRQoL, health-related quality of life; KPS, Karnofsky Performance Status.