Comparative Analysis of Quality of Life Determinants Among Various Cancer Patient Groups in Western Maharashtra, India

TL;DR

This study examines the quality of life among cancer patients in western Maharashtra, India, finding it is often low due to symptoms, treatment, and financial strain.

Contribution

The study provides region-specific insights into QoL determinants among diverse cancer patient groups in western Maharashtra.

Findings

Most cancer patients (38.5%) had very low quality of life, and only 1.1% had high quality of life.

Breast cancer was the most common cancer type among the studied patients.

Symptoms, treatment, and financial strain were identified as key factors affecting quality of life.

Abstract

Introduction

Cancer is a major health problem and a devastating disease. People living with cancer experience a variety of signs and symptoms. Cancer patients undergo physical, psychological, social, and financial implications due to the disease and its treatment. Cancer harshly affects the individual’s health and deteriorates the quality of life (QoL). This study assesses the QoL determinants among various cancer patient groups in western Maharashtra, India.

Materials and methods

This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the oncology center, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Karad, India. The study consisted of 270 cancer patients selected by purposive sampling technique. The data regarding the QoL was collected using a structured and validated questionnaire consisting of 50 questions elicited through one-to-one interviews. Data were analyzed using statistical software.

Results

Of 270 cancer patients, 135 (50%) were males and 135 (50%) were females aged between 22 and 66 years. Maximum patients (N = 89, 32.9%) were in the age group of 41-50 years, and the majority of patients (N = 34, 12.6%) suffered from breast cancer. The QoL among our patients was very low in 104 (38.5%) and 127 (47.0%), average in 36 (13.3%), and high only in 3 (1.1%) patients.

Conclusion

QoL among cancer patients was influenced by their symptoms, treatment, and the financial strain they experienced. There is a need to develop interventions to effectively manage symptoms that will help patients gain a greater sense of control over their illness and treatment, thereby improving their QoL.