Effect Size of Factors Influencing Colorectal Cancer Survivors' Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

AIMS: To evaluate the effect sizes of factors influencing quality of life among colorectal cancer survivors. DESIGN: This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: This study was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Ten international and Korean databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, SCOPUS, were searched from January 2000 to October 2024. Methodological quality was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist. Effect sizes (Esr) were calculated using Fisher's Z transformation. Publication bias was evaluated using Egger's test, funnel plots, and trim-and-fill methods. RESULTS: Physical factors included fatigue (ESr -0.567) and symptom experiences (ESr -0.474). Psychological distress showed the strongest negative association (ESr -0.737), followed by depression (ESr -0.590). Self-efficacy (ESr 0.640), resilience (ESr 0.439), and body image (ESr 0.412) demonstrated positive associations. Social support was positively associated (ESr 0.381). CONCLUSION: Quality of life among colorectal cancer survivors is associated with physical, psychological, and social factors including fatigue, symptoms, distress, depression, self-efficacy, resilience, body image, and social support. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public involvement in this systematic review and meta-analysis.