Quality of Life and Symptom Burden in Cancer Patients in Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: The study determined the quality of life (QoL) and symptom burden among cancer patients undergoing treatment. Method: A descriptive correlational study was conducted. Patients with different types of cancer in an oncology unit of a tertiary level hospital completed the Modified Version of the Memorial symptom assessment scale and interviewer administered Quality of Life (QOL) questionnaire. Results: 168 patients were enrolled in the study. The most severe symptoms reported were pain, fatigue and lack of appetite. Most common type of cancer was breast cancer with most patients at an advanced cancer stage. Average QoL score was 70.3 which is a moderate QoL score. There was significant difference in education level (p =0.012), marital status (p=0.039), income (p =0.011), cancer stage (p =0.020) and treatment type in relation to QoL. There was negative association between symptom burden and QoL. Type of treatment(p=0.0035) and symptom burden(p=0.0001) were independent predictors of QoL. Conclusion: Results for this study show that patients with lower education levels, with an income of less than £30, those at an advanced stage cancer on chemo-radiation and have been on treatment for more than six months had a decreased QoL score. Comprehensive patient assessment tools need to be developed, care giver education on early detection and patient support should be provided during the treatment perio