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Health‐related quality of life among patients with ovarian cancer at Mulago Hospital, Uganda
Author(s) -
Katumba Jerome,
Obore Susan,
Kaye Dan K.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijgo.2013.03.017
Subject(s) - medicine , quality of life (healthcare) , disease , ovarian cancer , gynecologic oncology , sexual function , serous fluid , cancer , physical therapy , nursing
Objective Most patients with ovarian cancer are diagnosed when the disease is at an advanced stage. The symptoms and the surgery‐induced loss of sexual and reproductive function have an impact on the health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) of affected women. The present study described the HRQOL among women with ovarian cancer at Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda. Methods This was a case series involving 36 women with histologically confirmed ovarian cancer admitted to the gynecologic oncology unit at Mulago Hospital. Clinical and histologic characteristics were determined using an interviewer‐administered questionnaire. The abbreviated version of the WHO Quality of Life instrument (WHOQOL‐BREF) was used to assess quality of life. Results All patients had symptoms (mainly abdominal symptoms) before diagnosis and had previously sought medical care without being diagnosed. The majority (88.9%) had advanced disease (mainly serous epithelial tumors). Most patients were dissatisfied with their life and scored low on all HRQOL domains (physical, psychological, and social well‐being; environment). The overall mean WHOQOL‐BREF score was 27.5%; the score was lowest (mean 18.7%) in the psychological domain. Conclusion All patients experienced symptoms before diagnosis and the majority presented with advanced disease. The quality of life was poor in all domains, with psychological well‐being most affected.