QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG POST-SURGICAL PATIENTS OF BREAST CANCER VISITING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN RAWALPINDI

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the physical, psychological, social and environmental domains of QOL among postsurgical patients of breast cancer.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at Breast Cancer Clinic and Oncology Department, Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Rawalpindi, from Jan 2017 to Mar 2017.

Material and Methods: All post-surgical females of breast cancer reporting at Breast Cancer Clinic and Oncology Department on follow-up appointments or receiving any type of treatment were included in this study. Physical activity levels were assessed by using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire QOL was determined by means of WHOQOL-BREF.

Results: Mean age of the participants was 41.3 ± 11.379 years. High proportions of participants (24%) reported having a college or university education. More than half of the women reported of being married (62%). Comorbidities were reported among 36 (72%) patients and most frequently reported diseases were hypertension 13 (26%) and diabetes 8 (16%). Differences by age group, education level, marital status and counselling were important p≤0.05. Those women who received counselling were associated with having five times more likelihood of getting better scores in the environmental quality of life domain.

Conclusion: Post-surgical patients of BC, visiting a tertiary care hospital, generally have a good quality of life perception and are satisfied with their health.