Association between Phase Angle and Subjective Perceptions of Health Variables in Cancer Patients

Borja Gutiérrez-Santamaría; Aitor Martinez Aguirre-Betolaza; Arturo García-Álvarez; María Soledad Arietaleanizbeaskoa; Nere Mendizabal-Gallastegui; Gonzalo Grandes; Aitor Coca; Arkaitz Castañeda-Babarro

doi:10.3390/healthcare11131852

Association between Phase Angle and Subjective Perceptions of Health Variables in Cancer Patients

Healthcare (Basel). 2023 Jun 26;11(13):1852. doi: 10.3390/healthcare11131852.

Authors

Borja Gutiérrez-Santamaría¹, Aitor Martinez Aguirre-Betolaza¹, Arturo García-Álvarez², María Soledad Arietaleanizbeaskoa², Nere Mendizabal-Gallastegui², Gonzalo Grandes², Aitor Coca³, Arkaitz Castañeda-Babarro¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Education and Sport, University of Deusto, 48007 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain.
² Primary Care Research Unit of Bizkaia, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903 Barakaldo, Biscay, Spain.
³ Department of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Euneiz University, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Alava, La Biosfera Ibilbidea, 6, 01013 Gasteiz, Araba, Spain.

Abstract

The phase angle, an increasingly studied healthcare tool, was studied to explore its relationship with psychological factors in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the phase angle (PhA), obtained by the bioimpedance analysis of body composition, and psychological factors measured by questionnaire in cancer patients. The study included 311 patients who underwent bioimpedance testing to determine their PhA value; their psychological profiles were assessed using SF-36, FACIT, QLQ-C30, and GHQ-12 questionnaires. Mixed linear regression models were used to analyze the relationship between PhA and the psychological tests. The results showed a statistical correlation between PhA and the GHQ-12, FACIT, and SF-36 questionnaires, with higher PhA values associated with better results on the questionnaires. In the QLQ-C30 questionnaire, a correlation was observed between PhA and the functioning scales (p < 0.001), except for emotional and cognitive functioning (p = 0.148 and p = 0.544, respectively), but not in most of the symptom scales. The PhA is a useful tool for assessing the subjective health perception of cancer patients, especially with regard to psychological factors. While there is a statistically significant correlation, further research is required before confidently applying it in clinical practice. The current predictive value of this predictor for certain psychological aspects is limited, underscoring the need for additional research.

Keywords: FACIT; GHQ-12; SF-36; bioimpedance; early diagnosis; phase angle; physical activity.

Grants and funding

This study has been funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III through the project “PI18-00929” (Co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund/European Social Fund “A way to make Europe”/“Investing in your future”).