Gender-specific differences in factors influencing supportive care needs in colorectal cancer patients

Abstract

Background: Unmet supportive care needs reducing the quality of life of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. As existing studies have indicated the supportive care needs of CRC patients of different genders differ, the main aim of this study was to investigate the factors influencing the supportive care needs of CRC patients based on gender. Methods: CRC patients were categorized by gender to compare each group’s supportive care needs and demographic characteristics. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to identify factors impacting the supportive care needs of patients by gender. Results: The study involved 257 males and 146 females CRC patients. Female patients reported higher levels of supportive care needs. Among male patients, those with higher education levels, higher anxiety, and a diagnosis of rectal cancer exhibited more significant supportive care needs. In contrast, anxiety was the only factor affecting supportive care needs for female patients. Conclusion: This study provides new insights into the factors influencing supportive care needs in CRC patients. It revealed distinct differences in the levels and determinants of supportive care needs between male and female patients. Specifically, a higher level of education and the presence of rectal cancer were associated with increased supportive care needs in male patients. Meanwhile, increased anxiety levels were linked higher supportive care needs across both genders.