Evaluation of quality of life in cancer patients in Nakhon Nayok hospital

Abstract

Abstract
Quality of life (QoL) assessment is essential for cancer patients. It is necessary not less than the treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy, etc. The evaluation of QoL can help in the planning of treatment. The aim of this study was to examine the QoL in cancer patients using QoL questionnaire, and the relationship between QoL parameters and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status. An exploratory survey, questionablebased research study was conduct from March 2017 to February 2018. Patients who newly diagnosed with breast, lung, liver, stomach or colorectal cancer were recruited in this study. The participants were test by EORTC QLQ-C30, and ECOG performance scale. The QLQ-C30 includes nine multiple-item subscales and six single-item subscales, resulting in 15 domains measured by 30 items. ECOG performance status was assessed by using the ECOG classification. A total of 30 patients with newly diagnosis of cancer were enrolled in the study. The ages of patients ranged from 43 to 81 years. The median age of patients was 61 years. Sixteen patients were females (53.3%), and 14 patients (46.7) were males. Twenty-two patients (73.3%) were universal coverage insurance. There were 13 (43.3%), 7 (23.3%), 5 (16.7), 3 (10.0%), 1 (3.3%), and 1 (3.3%) patients diagnosed with breast, rectal, colon, lung, stomach, and liver cancer, respectively. ECOG 0, and 1 at baseline were found to be positive relationship with physical functioning, but no significant difference (r=0.208, p=0.27; and r=0.183, p=0.334, respectively). Nevertheless, ECOG 2, and 3 were no significant positive correlation with physical functioning (r=-0.172, p=0.365; and r=-0.499, p=0.005, respectively).