Factors Affecting Quality of Life Among Patients With Post-Operative Breast Cancer in Roi-Et Province, Thailand

Abstract

his cross-sectional study included 250 post-operative breast cancer patients in Roi-et Province, Thailand. The study was intended to describe the participants’ quality of life and perceived quality of health services, as assessed by standardized interviewer-administered questionnaires. Interviews were conducted in the surgical unit within 2 weeks after surgery. As part of the questionnaire, Healthrelated quality of life was assessed by using the WHOQOL-BREF. The study also assessed relationships between socio-demographic variables and quality of life score and service quality score. Most of the respondents had a moderate level of Quality of life (51.2%), followed by high (48.4%) and low (0.4%) level of quality of life post operative breast cancer, respectively. Service quality score and quality of life (QOL) score were positively and statistically significantly correlated (r=0.569, p<0.001). Age was not significantly related to either score. Education and income were significantly associated with both scores, bur directions associations were not regular. Neither occupation nor presence of health problems in family members were significantly associated with either score. Both scores were significantly lower in participants in the 30-baht scheme than in those in other insurance schemes. Further research is needed to understand the observed associations with these scores. Generally, every effort should be made to improve health service quality and QOL for post-operative breast cancer patients. This should be a priority in both research and health policy formulation.