Quality of Life in Breast and Gynecologic Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers
Author Information
Author(s): Awadalla Abdel W, Ohaeri Jude U, Gholoum Abdullah, Khalid Ahmed OA, Hamad Hussein MA, Jacob Anila
Primary Institution: Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University
Hypothesis
Patients would be satisfied with family support but not with the poor national economy, and there would be no significant differences in QOL scores between cancer patients and caregivers.
Conclusion
Cancer patients in stable condition and with psychosocial support can hope to enjoy good quality of life with treatment.
Supporting Evidence
- Cancer patients had significantly lower QOL scores than matched general population groups.
- Patients on radiotherapy had higher QOL scores.
- Caregiver impression was a significant predictor of both patient's and caregiver's QOL.
Takeaway
Women with breast and gynecologic cancers can feel good about their lives if they have support from family and friends.
Methodology
The study compared QOL scores of cancer patients and their caregivers using the WHOQOL-Bref questionnaire.
Potential Biases
The patients were selected because they had family support, which may not represent all cancer patients.
Limitations
The study was cross-sectional, from a single center, with a small sample size for the ovarian cancer group.
Participant Demographics
The patients were predominantly married, with lower levels of education, and not formally employed.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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