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

Assessment of the Quality of Life and associated factors among patients with gynecological cancers undergoing gyneco-oncological therapy Maj Saminder Malik, Lt Col Nisa Gopidas Email: sambyal. sami@gmail. com; Mob: 7896186013 Introduction: Quality of life is a comprehensive sense of wellbeing which gets afflicted due to disease condition like gynecological cancers. The matter of concern comprises impact of gynecological cancer and treatment on QOL of patient, family care giver and its association with socio-demographic milieu. Rather limited is recognized about the influencers of QOL. Aim of study is assessment of QOL and associated factors among patients with gynecological cancers undergoing gyneco-oncological therapy. Materials and methods: A non-experimental cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 patients with gynecological cancers undergoing gyneco-oncological therapy attending OPD in a tertiary care setting of Kolkata. Health related quality life questionnaire was administered to patients and responses were analyzed. Identified QOL, associated factors and established association between them. Results: Most of the patients were between 55-64 years of age, unemployed, married, parous, living in joint families and belonged to low income group. Majority were diagnosed as carcinoma cervix and nearly half suffered from stage II cancer. Most of them had undergone radiation onco-therapy. Respondents had an average level QOL mean scores (64.7 �15.2) and high functional status. Patients had better role, physical, cognitive, and social functions. However, majority experienced financial difficulties. QOL was found significantly associated with age, occupation, parity, type of family and cancer stage of respondents. Conclusion: Study findings suggests average QOL and high level of functional status post treatment. Nurses might plan support strategies to reduce emotional distress, anxiety and fear related to disease and cure among gynecological cancer patients.