An Appraisal of the Quality of Life of Gynaecological Cancer Patients at a Teaching Hospital in Southern Nigeria
Published: 2024-04-17
Page: 31-46
Issue: 2024 - Volume 7 [Issue 1]
Alegbeleye, Justina Omoikhefe *
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
John, Celestine Osita
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: As newer treatment modalities improve survival; quality of life (QoL) issues takes on increasing importance for survivors. Adequate knowledge is required for psychosocial interventions and designing programmes aimed at improving the QoL of cancer patients.
Objectives: To assess the QoL and its association with socio-demographic characteristics and disease-related variables among gynaecological cancer patients.
Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out between January 1, and December 31, 2023, among gynaecological cancer patients. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic, reproductive, and clinical characteristics. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Score 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) version 3 was used to evaluate their perceptions about QoL. The QoL domains, socio-demographic and clinical variables were analyzed with SPSS 25. The association between socio-demographic and clinical factors with QoL was analyzed using one-way ANOVA. P value of ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The mean age was 55.29±10.77 years, only 26 (53.1%) have had a pap test. Cervical cancer was the most prevalent gynaecological cancer 31 (63.2%), many 27 (55.1%) of them presented with stage III disease. The mean QoL score was 68.20±23.61. Respondents had good level of physical (81.77 ±16.43), cognitive (78.91 ±25.18), and social functioning (71.43 ±27.85) with high mean scores ≥ 66.7 and an average level of role (66.67±24.76) and emotional functioning (64.79 ±26.53) with mean score between 33.3-66.6. The mean pain score was 43.88±35.95. The major problem experienced was financial difficulties (72.11±33.57). A significant association was observed between QoL and age (p=0.027), occupational status (p=0.024), type of cancer (p=0.001), stage of cancer (p=0.007), length of diagnosis (p=0.033) and number of chemotherapies received (p=0.001).
Conclusions: As cancer incidence is increasing and post treatment survival is improving among cancer patients, the focus is now on their quality of life.
Keywords: Gynaecological cancers, quality of life, EORTC QLQ-C30, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
How to Cite
References
Padubidri VG, Daftary SN. Shaw’s Textbook of Gynecology. 15th edition. Pennsylvania: Elsevier; 2013.
Sung H, Ferlay, J, Siegel RL, Laversanne M, Soerjomataram I, Jemal A, et al. Global Cancer Statistics 2020: Globocan Estimates of Incidence and Mortality Worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. Ca Cancer J Clin. 2021;71(3):209-249.
Yakassai IA, Ugwa, EA, Otubu J. Gynecological malignancies in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano: a 3-year review. Niger J Clin Pract. 2013;16(1):63-66.
Adefuye PO, Adefuye BO, Oluwole, A.A. Female genital tract cancers in Sagamu, South-West Nigeria. East Afr Med J. 2014; 91(11):398-406.
Ferlay J, Soerjomataram, I, Ervik M, Dikshit R, Eser S, Mathers C. Cancer Incidence and Mortality Worldwide: IARC Cancer Base No. 11. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer; 2013.
Faller H, Brahler E, Harter M, Keller M, Schulz H, Wegscheider K, et al. Unmet needs for Information and psychosocial support in relation to quality of life and emotional distress: A comparison between gynaecological and breast cancer patients. Patient Educ Couns. 2017;100(10):1934-1942.
Chaturvedi SK. Psychiatric oncology: Cancer in mind. Indian J Psychiatry. 2012; 54:111-8.
Shape, M. Stronge, V. Allen, Major Depression in out-patients attending a regional cancer centre, screening, and unmet treatment needs. British J Cancer. 2004; 90:314-318.
Nanjaiah R, Roopadevi V, Mudassir A. Khan MA. Quality of life in gynaecologic cancer subjects attending a tertiary care centre. Int J Community Med Public Health. 2017;4(5):1644-1651
Fernandes WC, Kimura M. Health Related Quality of Life of Woman with cervical cancer. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem. 2010;18 (3):360-367.
Hossain N, Akter QM, Banu F, Mahmud S. Quality of life of cervical cancer patients after completion of treatment -A study among Bangladeshi women. Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull. 2015;41:131-137
Tsai LY, Wang KL, Liang SY, Tsai JM, Tsay S.L. The lived experience of gynecologic cancer survivors in taiwan. J Nurs Res. 2017;25 447-454
Sekse RJT, Dunberger G, Olesen ML, Østerbye M, Seibaek L. Lived experiences and quality of life after gynaecologic cancer–An integrative review. J Clin Nurs. 2019;28:1393-1421
Teo I, Cheung YB, Lim TYK, Namuduri RP, Long V, Tewani K. The relationship between symptom prevalence, body image, and quality of life in Asian gynecologic cancer patients. Psycho Oncol. 2018;27:69-74.
Tabano M, Condosta D, Coons M. Symptoms affecting quality of life in women with gynecologic cancer. Semin Oncol Nurs. 2002;18(3): 223-230.
World Health Organization Quality of Life. WHO: Geneva; 2012.
Fujikake Y. Qualitative Evaluation: Evaluating People’s Empowerment. Japanese Journal of Evaluation Studies. 2008;8(2),25–37.
Nanjaiah R, Khan MA, Rao VN. Psychological impact of cancer diagnosis among gynecological cancer subjects in a tertiary care centre. International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health. 2017;4(2):433-439.
Ginting KB, Yaznil MR, Prabudi MO, Rahmawati L. Quality of life among ovarian cancer survivors in Haji Adam Malik General Hospital Medan, Indonesia. Health Sci J Indonesia. 2020; 11(2): 133-139.
Afiyanti Y, Wardani IY, Martha, E. The quality of life of women with cervical cancer in Indonesia: A cross-sectional study. Nurse Med J Nurs. 2019; 9 (2): 128-140.
Bjelic-Radisic V, Jensen PT, Vlasic KK, Waldenstrom AC, Singer S, Chie W, Nordin A, Greimel E. Quality of life characteristics inpatients with cervical cancer. Eur J Cancer. 2012;48(16):3009-3018.
Nazik E, Nazik H, Ozdemir F. Social support, and Quality of life in Turkish patient with Gyneacologic cancer. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2014;15(7):3081-3086.
Ojewole FO, Madu AM, Nwozichi CU. Association between psychological distress and unmet information needs among female cancer patients in two selected teaching hospitals in South-West Nigeria. Chrismed J Health Res. 2018;5:7-11.
Zayyan MS, Akpa M, Dawotola DA., Oguntayo AO, Kolawole AO. Quality of life in patients with advanced cervical cancer in Nigeria. Sahel Med J. 2018;21: 61-69.
Cocks K, King MT, Velikova G, de Castro G Jr., Martyn St. James M, Fayers PM, et al. Evidence-based guidelines for interpreting change scores for the European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Score 30. Eur J Cancer. 2012;48:1713-1721.
Greimel ER, Kuljanic Vlasic K, Waldenstrom AC, Duric VM, Jensen PT, Singer S, et al. The European Organization for research and treatment of cancer (EORTC) quality-of-life questionnaire cervical cancer module: EORTC QLQ-CX24. Cancer. 2006;107:1812-22
Sprangers MA, Cull A, Bjordal K, Groenvold M, Aaronson NK; The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. Approach to quality-of-life assessment: Guidelines for developing questionnaire modules. EORTC Study Group on Quality of Life. Q Life Res. 1993; 2:287-95.
Kolomiets LA, Churuksaeva ON, Molchanov SV. Quality of life as a criterion for evaluating the effectiveness of treatment of patients with gynecological cancer // Quality of life of cancer patients / ed. Acad. RAMS E. L. Choynzonova, Dr. Biol. Science L.N. Balatsky. - Tomsk: Publishing house Printing Manufactory. 2011;105-119.
Noviyani R, Tunas IK, Indrayathi A, Budiana NG. Uji validitas dan reliabilitas kuesioner EORTC QLQ C30 untuk menilai kualitas hidup pasien kanker ginekologi di RSUP Sanglah Denpasar. J Farmasi Klinik Indonesia. 2016;5 (2):106-114.
Hua CH, Guo HM, Guan XL, Kong FJ, Hou RJ, Zhang XY, et al. Validation of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer cervical cancer module for Chinese patients with cervical cancer. Patient Pref Adher. 2013;7:1061-1066.
Perwitasari DA, Atthobari J, Dwiprahasto I, Hakimi M, Gelderblom H, Putter H, et al. Translation, and validation of EORTC QLQ-C30 into Indonesian version for cancer patients in Indonesia. Japan J Clin Oncol. 2011;41(4):519-529.
32. Shirali E, Yarandi F, Ghaemi M, Montazeri A. Quality of Life in Patients with Gynecological Cancers: A Web-Based Study. Asian Pac J Cancer. Prev 2019;21 (7):1969-1975.
Miaad A, Rawi A, Enizi RA, Habib F, Afefy NAF. Risk Factors and Quality of Life among Saudi Woman with Reproductive System Cancer. J Lang Health. 2021;2(1):35-42.
Lebimoyo A, Ola B, Adewuya A, Atilola O, Popoola A. Mental Health and Quality of Life Among Patients with Gynaecological Cancers in Lagos, Nigeria. MPJ Online Early. 2020; 1-17.
El Ghazaly H, Saad AS, Samy N, Kamal KA, Medhat D, Tawfic AM. Follow Up of Quality of Life and Sexual Wellbeing in Gynaecological Cancers: A Cross Sectional Study. Ain Shama Med J. 2023; 7 (1):111-122.
Malik S, Gopidas N. A Study on Assessment of the Quality of Life and Associated Factors among Patients with Gynecological Cancers Undergoing Gyneco- Oncological Therapy in a Selected Tertiary Care Hospital in Kolkata. Int J Sci Res. 2018;8(6):1407-1434.
Pinar G, Okden S, Buyukgonenc L, Ayhan A. The relationship between support and level of anxiety, depression, and Quality of life of Turkish women with gynecologic cancer. Cancer Nurs. 2012;35(3):229-235.
Edianto D, Yaznil MR, Chartyansari AA, Effendi IH. Assessment of the Quality of Life for Gynecologic Cancer Patients Using Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (Fact-G) Questionnaire at Haji Adam Malik Hospital. Open Access Maced J Med. Sci 2019; 7(16):2569-2573.
Fasoi G, Bourazani M, Dimitris P, Vlachou E, Toylia G, Kaba E, et al. Exploration the Quality of Life, and the related factors in women with recent diagnosis of gynecological cancer, before the surgical treatment in Greece. Health Res J. 2020;6(4):114-122.
Goker A, T Guvenal T, Yanikkerem E, Turhan A, Koyuncu FM. Quality of Life in Women with Gynecologic Cancer in Turkey. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2011;12:3121-3128.
Wilailak S, Lertkhachonsuk A, Lohacharoenvanich N, Luengsukcharoen SC, Jirajaras M, Likitanasombat P. et al. Quality of life in gynecologic cancer survivors compared to healthy check-up women. J Gynecol Oncol. 2011;22(2):103-109.
Reis N, Beji NK, Coskun A. Quality of life and sexual functions in gynecological cancer patients: result from qualitative and quantitative data. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2010; 14(2):137- 146.
Stark L, Tofthagen C, Visovsky C, McMillan SC. The Symptom Experience of Patients with Cancer. J Hosp Palliat Nurs. 2013;14(1):61-70.
Yoo SH, Yun YH, Park S, Kim Y, Park SY, Bae DS, et al. The correlates of unemployment and its association with quality of life in cervical cancer survivors. J Gynecol Oncol. 2013;24(4): 367-375.
Nipp RD, El‐Jawahri A, Fishbein JN, Eusebio J, Stagl JM, Gallagher ER, et al. The relationship between coping strategies, quality of life, and mood in patients with incurable cancer. Cancer. 2016;122(13):2110-2116.
Pfaendler KS, Wenzel L, Mechanic MB, Penner KR. Cervical cancer survivorship: long-term quality of life and social support. Clin Ther. 2015;37(1):39-48.
Damodar G, Gopinath S, Vijayakumar S, Rao AY. Reasons for low quality of life in South Indian cancer patient population: A prospective observational study. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2014;76 (1):2-9.
Ogoncho IM, Omuga BO, Wakasiaka S, Muiva M. Determinants of quality of life among Gynaecological cancer patients on follow up at a referral hospital in Kenya. Am J Nurs Sci. 2015; 4:127- 130.
Üstündağ S, Zencirci AD. Factors affecting the quality of life of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: A questionnaire study. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs. 2015;2(1): 17-25.
Chagani P, Parpio Y, Gul R, Jabbar AA. Quality of life and its determinants in adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment in Pakistan. Asia P J Oncol Nurs. 2017;4(2):140-146.
Sekse RJ, Hufthammer KO, Vika ME. Fatigue and quality of life in women treated for various types of gynaecological cancers: a cross‐sectional study. J Clin Nurs. 2015; 24(3-4):546-555.
Ainuddin HA, Ab Ghani SN, Dahlan A, Ibrahim SA. Quality of Life and Associated Factors of Cancer Patients in Malaysia: A review of current literature. Environ Behav Proc J. 2016;1 (2):76-86.
Gonçalves V. Quality of Life in Ovarian Cancer Treatment and Survivorship. In Ovarian Cancer-A Clinical and Translational Update InTech; 2013.
Hossain N, Akter QM, Banu F, Mahmud S. Quality of life of cervical cancer patients after completion of treatment-A study among Bangladeshi women. Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull. 2015; 41(3):131-137.