Quality of life and its determinants in adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment in Karachi, Pakistan
Date of Award
2015
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Nursing (MScN)
Department
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Likewise, in Pakistan, it is a major health problem, with an approximate increase of 150,000 cancer cases each year. Cancer and its treatment, particularly chemotherapy produces a detrimental effect on individuals' wellbeing. Since the past few years, quality of life is considered as the primary goal of cancer treatment in patients' survival. This study aimed to assess the quality of life and its determinants in adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods A quantitative, analytical cross-sectional design was employed to achieve the study objectives. A total of 150 adult (>19 years) cancer patients, receiving chemotherapy, were recruited from the day care oncology department, AKUH. The data was collected through interviews, using the functional assessment of cancer therapy-general (TACT-G), quality of life questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized for data analysis. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the effect of predictor variables with the mean QOL score. Findings The study revealed an overall mean score of QOL as 57.37. The physical and emotional wellbeing were the domains mainly affected by the chemotherapy treatment. Variables such as no previous hospitalization and no significant changes in life events were positively associated with the QOL. On the other hand, being female, unemployed, and chemotherapy side effects (> 1 week), impaired socialization, and discrimination by family/relatives were negatively associated with the QOL. The common coping strategy adapted by the majority of the participants was religion (prayers). Conclusion This study indicates that the QOL among the study participants was poor. Chemotherapy is recognized as a stressful treatment, which adversely affects the QOL of cancer patients. Interventions should focus on both the physical and psychological issues, and need to be addressed, in order to improve the quality of life of adult cancer patients in Pakistan.
Recommended Citation
Badruddin, P. (2015). Quality of life and its determinants in adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment in Karachi, Pakistan (Unpublished doctoral thesis). Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.