Factors associated with quality of life among cancer patients in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background: Quality of life (QOL) is individuals’ perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns. It is an effective modern method of early identification of chronic incurable disease patients. This study was designed to determine the level and the possible contributory factors of quality of life in heterogeneous groups of cancer patients in Sri Lanka.Methods: This study was conducted at National Cancer Institute of Sri Lanka. WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was used to assess QOL of cancer patients. Multivariate linear regression model was used to evaluate the associations of demographic variables, clinical characteristics, and social support status with the quality of life measures.Results: 167 of cancer patients were participated. The mean overall QOL score was 53.07±SD 12.68. Higher QOL was associated with patients who were married, higher educated, employed, had good family support and longer duration of illness. Significantly lower QOL was found in those who involved on radiotherapy treatments and feeling alone. Marital status, education status, comorbidity, family support and feeling alone were identified as predictors for QOL among the study group.Conclusions: The overall QOL score was considerably low in our study. Continuous family support and good education may significantly improve the QOL of cancer patients. Psychosocial and awareness programs to the family members and neighbours should be implemented to enhance the quality of life of cancer patients.

Quality of life among cancer patients approaching healthcare facilities in United Arab Emirates

“…27 A study demonstrated cancer patients who are undergoing radiotherapy had lower QoL (51.8) than those who aren't (56.1), which contraindicates with our research. 18 Based on a study, cancer patients who have metastasis had lower QoL (22.1) than who don't (92.1), correlating with our results. 27 A research revealed cancer patients with comorbidity had lower QoL (51.5) than who don't have chronic diseases (56.7), correlating with our results.…”

“…According to a study, unmarried patients had higher QoL (55.7) correlating with our study. 18 A study revealed cancer patients who were in a family of more than 5 members had a higher QoL (63.1). 19 A study revealed patients who don't smoke had higher QoL (79.33) correlating with our result.…”

“…In addition to that, cancer cases reach up to 4,500 cases annually. 18 QoL is an increasingly important assessment used to evaluate health status in all cancer patients.…”

Health Related Quality of Life of Thyroid Cancer Patients

“…Study findings disagree with Merchant23 which showed 20% of sufferings. Respondents (5.3%) did not complain of difficulties in breathing which were similar to Chidambaram 24 ( Table 2). This similarity was probably due to the same characteristics in geographical location of this sub continent.…”

The Relationship Between Social Support From Family and Quality of Life Among Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Numerous factors have been reported as the predictors of QoL; these factors include radiotherapy treatments, the feeling of loneliness, marital status, education status, comorbidity, and weight loss. Although the factors associated with the QoL of cancer patients are well-known, these patients still report the low levels of QoL [5].…”