Quality of life and effective factors in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in Qom

Many patients with cancer have multiple symptoms affecting their sense of well-being and their physical and social performance that will be reduced quality of life and increased their unfavorable outcome. The purpose was to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) and effective factors in Iranian cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

This cross-sectional analytical study including118 cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy at Qom chemotherapy Center and had inclusion criteria, that completed an Iranian version of the brief form of the WHOQOL assessment instrument and a demographic checklist. Data were analysed using SPSS-PC software, descriptive analysis, independent sample t-tests, one way ANOVA models, Tukey’s Post Hoc test and linear regression.

Most patients had a relatively average level of overall QOL. QOL scores were low in older and less educated patients, but these scores were not affected by the marital status or types of cancer. No significant regression was observed between duration of disease and treatment and mean QOL scores.

Overall, patients in the present study had a relatively average level of global QOL that could be the impact of religious beliefs or family support on their quality of life. The results emphasize that older and less educated patients have lower QOL scores. These patients may require a greater level of support and education to improve their QOL.