The association between life satisfaction and adherence to treatment among patients with stage three gastric cancer

Background: The association between subjective well-being (SWB) and adherence to treatment is understudied, especially in the context of cancer. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between various demographic, cancer-related, psychological and mental health factors with adherence to treatment among cancer patients. Methods: A sample of 95 consecutive Stage 3 gastric cancer patients were examined. Each patient filled a battery of questionnaires assessing demographics, mental health, SWB and adherence to treatment. Cancer-related information was obtained from the patients' medical records. Results: The main result revealed that SWB was significantly associated with adherence to treatment among these gastric cancer patients.SWB maintained its positive association with adherence even after controlling for demographics, cancer-related factors and depressive symptoms. Discussion: This finding presents practical implications for health and mental health professionals. SWB may be used as a fast screening for patients with a potential risk for low adherence. Promotion of SWB may be important in order to raise adherence rates in cancer patients.