Readiness for hospital discharge and associated factors in patients with oral cancer: A cross-sectional study

Purpose: To evaluate the current status of discharge readiness among postoperative oral cancer patients and identify the primary associated factors.

Methods: Information from 713 oral cancer patients was collected using questionnaire surveys. One-way ANOVA or t-tests were employed to compare differences in discharge readiness across various demographic characteristics. Correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between discharge readiness and discharge teaching quality, as well as social support. Multiple stepwise regression analysis was utilized to identify independent factors associated with discharge readiness.

Results: The mean discharge readiness score of postoperative oral cancer patients was 89.52 ± 8.63. Seven variables, such as age, marital status, and income, were identified as significant associated factors. Furthermore, both the quality of discharge teaching and social support exhibited a significant positive correlation with discharge readiness.

Conclusion: Postoperative oral cancer patients had moderate levels of discharge readiness and social support but low levels of discharge teaching quality. Discharge readiness among these patients is linked to various factors.