Quality of life among gynaecological cancer patients receiving palliative care in Kenya: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background/Aims: Cancer and its treatment affects the quality of life in patients. In Africa, there is limited research available on the quality of life among cancer patients. This study describes quality of life in patients with gynaecological cancer attending Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted among patients with gynaecological cancer attending the palliative care unit. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adopting the Missoula-VITAS Quality of Life Index, a 25-item quality of life measure containing five subscales. Results: A total of 108 patients were interviewed. The mean total quality of life score was 17.2 (possible range 0 to 30), and the mean global quality of life score was 3.5 (possible range 0 to 5). The following subscale mean scores were recorded: symptom (8.2), transcendent (6.2), function (5.6), interpersonal (5.3) and wellbeing (–2.9) (possible …