Health Related Quality of Life among Ovarian Cancer Women Receiving Chemotherapy at Zagazig University Hospitals

Abstract

Background: Ovarian cancer is one of the ten most frequent malignant tumors in female population with a high rate of mortality. The aim of this study: was to investigate health related quality of life among ovarian cancer women receiving chemotherapy at zagazig university hospitals. Research design: a descriptive study design. Settings: The present study was conducted in the gynecologic oncology outpatient's clinic at zagazig university hospitals. The sample: consisted of 75 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer and receiving chemotherapy. Tools of data collections: Three tools were used: Tool (1): An interview schedule including 3 parts: First part: to collect the socio-demographic characteristics, the second part for a reproductive history and third part for: treatment modality, protocol of chemotherapy and problem encountered after ovarian cancer treatment. Tool (II): Cancer Patient Quality of Life Scale (EORTC QLQ-C30). Tool (III): Ovarian Cancer Quality of Life Scale (EORTC QLQ-OV28). Results: the highest affected dimension of health related quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30) was for physical functioning scale with mean of (76.0±16.4) the role functioning scale (mean 75.80), and emotional functioning scale (mean 73.6) following by social functioning scale and cognitive functioning (mean 72.4, 61.70 respectively). Meanwhile the higher symptom scores for QLQ-C30 were found for fatigue, nausea and vomiting (88.00±9.00 & 85.00± 19.25 respectively). The highest mean scores of ovarian cancer module QLQ -OV28 were body image and attitude to disease/treatment following by sexuality (75.83, 65.55& 51.66 respectively). Additionally the higher mean score for the symptoms scales on the OV-28 instrument were peripheral neuropathy and chemotherapy side effects (85.92& 80.95 respectively). Conclusion: It can be concluded that women with ovarian cancer and receiving chemotherapy experience high prevalence of chemotherapy symptoms that adversely affected their quality of life. Recommendation: Further research should be carried out to identify the best strategies to further integrate results of quality of life assessments in ovarian cancer treatment protocols and to examine the long-term effects of cancer and its treatment on patients and their families.