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Spagnoletti BRM, Bennett LR, Keenan C, Shetty SS, Manderson L, McPake B, Wilopo SA. What factors shape quality of life for women affected by gynaecological cancer in South, South East and East Asian countries? A critical review. Reprod Health 2022; 19:70. [PMID: 35305676 PMCID: PMC8934499 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01369-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gynaecological cancers are among the most prevalent cancers worldwide, with profound effects on the lives of women and their families. In this critical review, we explore the impacts of these cancers on quality of life (QOL) of women in Asian countries, and highlight areas for future inquiry. Methods A systematic search of the literature was conducted in six electronic databases: Web of Science, Scopus, Global Health (CAB Direct), PsycINFO (Ovid), EBMR (Ovid), and Medline (Ovid). Screening resulted in the inclusion of 53 relevant articles reporting on 48 studies. Results Most studies were conducted in high and upper-middle income countries in East Asia and used quantitative approaches. Women had predominantly been diagnosed with cervical or ovarian cancer, and most had completed treatment. Four key interrelated domains emerged as most relevant in shaping QOL of women affected by gynaecological cancer: support, including identified needs, sources and forms; mental health, covering psychological distress associated with cancer, risk and protective factors, and coping strategies; sexual function and sexuality, focused on physiological, emotional and relational changes caused by gynaecological cancers and treatments, and the impacts of these on women’s identities; and physical health, covering the physical conditions associated with gynaecological cancers and their impacts on women’s daily activities. Conclusion QOL of women affected by gynaecological cancer is shaped by their mental and physical health, support, and changes in sexual function and sexuality. The limited number of studies from lower- and middle-income countries in South and Southeast Asia highlights important knowledge gaps requiring future research. Multiple factors shape the quality of life of women affected by gynaecological cancers in Asian countries as elsewhere. We identified 53 articles reporting on 48 studies, most conducted in high- and upper-middle income East Asian countries, with much less attention to women in lower income countries in South and Southeast Asia. Most studies used quantitative research methods to gain an understanding of the impact on women diagnosed with cervical or ovarian cancer who had completed treatment. Women’s quality of life was shaped by their mental and physical health, their support needs, and the changes they experienced in sexual function and sexuality.
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Li M, Chan CW, Choi KC, Zhang H, Ng SN, Huang L, Zhang M, Zhao W. The Chinese version of the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale for gynaecological cancer patients and their partners: Translation and psychometric evaluation. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2021; 9:48-54. [PMID: 35528790 PMCID: PMC9072179 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The objective of the study was to translate the revised dyadic adjustment scale into Chinese and evaluate its psychometric properties in gynaecological cancer patients and their male partners. Methods A cross-sectional design with a random subsample re-tested at the one-week interval was adopted. Gynaecological cancer patients and their partners were asked to complete the Chinese version of the revised dyadic adjustment and quality of marriage index. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, convergent validity, structural validity and known-group validity was assessed. Results A total of 252 participants (i.e., 126 female patients and 126 male partners) were recruited. The Chinese version of the Revised Dyadic Adjustment showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.85), test–retest reliability (r = 0.88), known group validity and adequate convergent validity with a significant positive correlation (r = 0.60) with the Quality of Marriage Index. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated an acceptable model fit to a second-order three-factor structure (GFI = 0.913, RMR = 0.046, CFI = 0.932). Conclusions The Chinese version of revised dyadic adjustment demonstrated good reliability and acceptable validity in gynaecological cancer patients and male partners. The scale can be used to assess the effectiveness of clinical nursing services for couples on their relationship and to compare marital satisfaction and adjustment between China and other parts of the world.
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Gebresillassie BM, Ayele AA, Abegaz TM. Unmet supportive care needs and determinants among cancer patients treated at University of Gondar Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: A prospective cross-sectional study. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2020; 27:1869-1877. [PMID: 33148130 DOI: 10.1177/1078155220971035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessment of supportive care needs is an important requirement to plan supportive care intervention. This study aimed to assess the unmet supportive care needs of cancer patients treated at the University of Gondar Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia. METHODS A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1, 2017 to August 30, 2017. Adult (18 years and greater) cancer patients and those who were receiving therapy were included. The 34-Item short-form Supportive Care Needs Survey(SCNS-SF34) tool was used to assess unmet needs. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS version-21. RESULTS A total of 150 interview guides were included in the analysis (97.4% of response rate). In the majority of 65(43.3%) the participants, the disease was metastasized even though they have undergone surgery 78 (52%). The overall mean score level of unmet need for cancer care was 3.49. The highest unmet need mean score was reported from the health system and information need domain. A significant unmet need difference concerning different need domain was found in sex, age, residence, occupation status, and monthly income. Sex and residence were found to be independent predicting factors for unmet supportive care needs. CONCLUSION The overall level of unmet need was high. A significant unmet need difference was found in sex, age, residence, occupation status, and monthly income. Sex and residence were found to be independent predicting factors. Hence, professionals working in the oncology unit should be aware of unmet needs and expect changes over time. Certain programs and services to address the identified unmet needs should be urgently provided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Asnakew Achaw Ayele
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tadesse Melaku Abegaz
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Fatiregun O, Sowunmi AC, Habeebu M, Okediji P, Alabi A, Fatiregun O, Adeniji A, Awofeso O, Adegboyega B. Prevalence and Correlates of Unmet Supportive Needs of Nigerian Patients With Cancer. J Glob Oncol 2019; 5:1-9. [PMID: 31246552 PMCID: PMC6613661 DOI: 10.1200/jgo.19.00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Diagnosis and treatment of cancer are associated with significant psychological distress, and patients face a broad range of challenges that create a vacuum of unmet needs felt by patients, such as a loss of personal control and frustration. The aim of the current study was to determine the magnitude, distribution, and correlates of unmet needs in Nigerian patients with cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Using a descriptive cross-sectional approach, we assessed 205 patients with cancer who attended oncology outpatient clinics at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Eligible patients were administered the Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS) –Short Form 34 with a focus on five domains of need: psychological, health system and information, physical and daily living, patient care and support, and sexuality. RESULTS Mean age was 47.4 ± 12.3 years and patients were predominantly female (96.6%). The most common diagnosis was breast cancer (92.2%), and mean duration since diagnosis was 20.9 ± 21.9 months for all patients. Mean SCNS score was 83.9 ± 24.8 and at least 46% of participants indicated unmet needs in 15 items of the SCNS. The most frequent unattended needs were related to the health information (53.4%), physical and daily living (49.4%), psychological (48.5%), sexuality, and patient care and support domains. None of the factors considered—age, sex marital status, family type, educational attainment, employment status, economic status, the presence of financial support, social support, and cancer type—was significantly predictive of unmet needs in these patients (P > .05). CONCLUSION Nigerian patients with cancer experience considerable levels of unmet needs. These needs require urgent and long-term interventions to help patients achieve increased care satisfaction and a better quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Paul Okediji
- Solar Center for International Development and Research, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Adewumi Alabi
- Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-araba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Opeyemi Awofeso
- Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-araba, Lagos, Nigeria
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Machado RDS, Fernandes ADDBF, Oliveira ALCBD, Soares LS, Gouveia MTDO, Silva GRFD. Cross-cultural adaptation methods of instruments in the nursing area. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 39:e20170164. [PMID: 29995073 DOI: 10.1590/1983-1447.2018.2017-0164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze scientific publications in order to identify the cross-cultural adaptation methods of instruments that are mainly applied in nursing. METHOD Integrative review, in the electronic sources Medline - Pubmed, Cinahl, Lilacs, Scopus and Web of Science. 96 peer-reviewed papers, published between 2010 and 2015 were selected. RESULTS The articles that composed the sample were published in 59 different journals, 15.2% were Brazilian. The largest number of publications was concentrated in 2015 (31.2%), 28 countries appeared on the list which is led by Brazil (33.3%), followed by China (10.4%). It was used 26 different guidelines, however the one proposed by Beaton and their collaborators was mentioned in 47 (49.0%) articles and the Brislin's in 12 (12.5%). CONCLUSION This review does not allow us to define the most appropriate method, however all methods applied agreed on the use of back translation. In addition, many studies in different languages and countries showed the international acceptability of the method developed by Beaton et al.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raylane da Silva Machado
- Universidade Federal do Piauí (UFPI), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem. Teresina, Piauí, Brasil
| | | | | | - Lorena Sousa Soares
- Universidade Federal do Piauí (UFPI), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem. Teresina, Piauí, Brasil
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Chow KM, So WKW, Choi KC, Chan CWH. Sexual function, psychosocial adjustment to illness, and quality of life among Chinese gynaecological cancer survivors. Psychooncology 2018; 27:1257-1263. [DOI: 10.1002/pon.4663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ka Ming Chow
- The Nethersole School of Nursing; The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Winnie Kwok Wei So
- The Nethersole School of Nursing; The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Kai Chow Choi
- The Nethersole School of Nursing; The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Carmen Wing Han Chan
- The Nethersole School of Nursing; The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong SAR China
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Gu C, Chan CWH, Chow KM, Yang S, Luo Y, Cheng H, Wang H. Understanding the cervical screening behaviour of Chinese women: The role of health care system and health professions. Appl Nurs Res 2018; 39:58-64. [PMID: 29422178 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnr.2017.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2016] [Revised: 06/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In China, cervical cancer cases are increasing, making an impact on the worldwide burden of cervical cancer. Despite the initiatives undertaken by the Chinese government, the current coverage of cervical screening in China remains suboptimal. There is an urgent need to identify the facilitators and barriers associated with the uptake of cervical cancer screening among the Chinese population. PURPOSE The study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of cervical cancer screening of mainland Chinese women in relation to their screening behaviour, particularly in the aspects of health care system and health profession roles. METHODS A qualitative research was conducted using semi-structured interviews. A total of 27 Chinese women aged 25 to 50 (both screened and non-screened women) completed the interviews. The analysis of the interview data was undertaken inductively using latent content analysis. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Results showed that organised health examination programmes provide a good basis for integrating cervical screening into broader checks on the health of women, and utilising different networks of social support facilitate the utilisation of the screening service. However, education on cervical cancer and screening must be made more generally available. More importantly, there is a need for a more participatory and empowering exchange in the encounter between health professions and these women. Appropriate training program is strongly recommended for health professions about communicate skills with patients. Future work should focus on identifying strategies to overcome the barriers to cervical screening related to health care system and medical professions among this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Gu
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, PR China.
| | - Carmen W H Chan
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Ka Ming Chow
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Shengbo Yang
- Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, PR China.
| | - Yang Luo
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, PR China.
| | - Huilin Cheng
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong.
| | - Honghong Wang
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, PR China.
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Fregnani CMS, Fregnani JHTG, Longatto-Filho A. Methodological study to evaluate the psychometric properties of FACIT-CD in a sample of Brazilian women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. BMC Cancer 2017; 17:686. [PMID: 29037189 PMCID: PMC5644164 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-017-3676-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The occurrence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is associated with changes in health-related quality of life, including psychological factors, such as fear and shame, and changes in sexuality and sexual satisfaction, such as decreased sexual desire and frequency of sexual intercourse. Personal relationships are the most affected because CIN is sexually transmitted and many women tend to blame their partner for disease transmission. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the FACIT-CD questionnaire in Brazilian women diagnosed with CIN. METHODS The properties of the FACIT-CD questionnaire were tested on a sample of 439 women seen at the Department of Prevention of Barretos Cancer Hospital, including 329 patients who were diagnosed with CIN and 110 women who were not diagnosed with the disease. The analysed parameters included internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient), structural validity, convergent validity (correlation with the SF-12 and EORTC QLQ-CX24 questionnaires), discriminant validity (according to disease status, and self-rating of health), sensitivity, and responsiveness. RESULTS The Cronbach alpha values of the FACIT-CD scales were higher than 0.70 with the exception of the relationship scale (0.66). The FACIT-CD reproducibility was satisfactory, with variation in the intraclass correlation coefficients ranging between 0.50 and 0.83, although the 95% confidence interval (CI) was lower than 0.40 (0.33-0.64) on the treatment satisfaction scale. Regarding structural validity, only one item on the physical well-being scale was not kept in the original domain. The expected correlations between the FACIT-CD and SF-12 were not confirmed, whereas the correlations between the FACIT-CD and EORTC QLQ-CX24 were confirmed. The questionnaire was able to discriminate the groups according to disease status and self-rating of health. The sensitivity was low for the relationship scale and moderate for the other scales. The responsiveness of the FACIT-CD questionnaire varied between the groups that denominate the self-perception of health as no change, improvement or worsening. CONCLUSION Our results are encouraging and indicate that the FACIT-CD questionnaire is a promising tool for the analysis of the quality of life of women with CIN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiane Menezes Sirna Fregnani
- Teaching and Research Institute of Barretos Cancer Hospital, Antenor Duarte Villela street, 1331. Barretos, São Paulo, Zip code: 14784-400 Brazil
| | | | - Adhemar Longatto-Filho
- Teaching and Research Institute of Barretos Cancer Hospital, Antenor Duarte Villela street, 1331. Barretos, São Paulo, Zip code: 14784-400 Brazil
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães Portugal
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM) 14, FMUSP, São Paulo, Brazil
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Okediji PT, Salako O, Fatiregun OO. Pattern and Predictors of Unmet Supportive Care Needs in Cancer Patients. Cureus 2017; 9:e1234. [PMID: 28620565 PMCID: PMC5467772 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.1234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of cancers is increasing and this is associated with an increase in the burden of the disease. Patients with cancer have to deal with reduced physical functioning, emotional instability, difficulty in concentrating, and an overall diminished feeling of well-being. This creates deficits that have not been well catered for by traditional cancer care, leading to an overall dissatisfaction with care and a reduced quality of life. This review aims at assessing the pattern of unmet needs in cancer patients and to provide information as to the factors that influence the perception of unmet needs. Studies directly focused on unmet needs in cancer patients which were retrieved from Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Public/Publisher Medline (PubMed), PsychINFO, Excerpta Medica database (EMBASE), and Google Scholar; from the earliest records till 2016. Unmet needs in cancer patients have been measured with a wide variety of tools, with the supportive care needs survey (SCNS) being the most commonly used as a result of its strong psychometric properties, ease of use, responsiveness, and its coverage of the major domains of unmet needs. The most common unmet needs were in the domains of health system and information, psychological, and physical and daily living. These needs are influenced by sociodemographic factors such as age, sex, marital status, income level; and clinical factors such as location of cancer, stage of disease, and tumor size. It is clear that cancer patients experience a wide range of unmet supportive needs, for which solutions need to be devised in order to improve the supportive care services for these patients and their overall quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Omolola Salako
- Department of Radiotherapy, Lagos University Teaching Hospital
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Translation and validation of tools for assessing health-related quality of life and male sexual function in Hong Kong Chinese patients during transitional cancer survivorship. Support Care Cancer 2017; 25:2187-2193. [PMID: 28213814 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-017-3624-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Edib Z, Kumarasamy V, Binti Abdullah N, Rizal AM, Al-Dubai SAR. Most prevalent unmet supportive care needs and quality of life of breast cancer patients in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2016; 14:26. [PMID: 26898558 PMCID: PMC4762172 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-016-0428-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Addressing breast cancer patients’ unmet supportive care needs in the early stage of their survivorship have become a prime concern because of its significant association with poor quality of life (QOL), which in turn increases healthcare utilization and costs. There is no study about unmet supportive care needs of breast cancer patients in Malaysia. This study aims to assess the most prevalent unmet supportive care needs of Malaysian breast cancer patients and the association between QOL and patients’ characteristics, and their unmet supportive care needs. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Surgery and Oncology Clinic between May 2014 and June 2014 in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia. A total of 117 patients out of 133 breast cancer patients recruited by universal sampling were interviewed using a structured questionnaire consisted of three parts: participants’ socio-demographic and disease characteristics, Supportive Care Needs Survey-Short Form Questionnaire (SCNS-SF34) and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). Results The highest unmet supportive care needs were observed in the psychological domain (Mean 53.31; SD ± 21.79), followed by physical domain (Mean 38.16; SD ± 27.15). Most prevalent unmet supportive care needs were uncertainty about the future (78.6 %), fears about the cancer spreading (76.1 %), feelings of sadness (69.2 %), feelings about death and dying (68.4 %), concerns about those close to the patient (65.0 %) and feeling down or depressed (65.0 %). Multivariate linear analysis showed that early breast cancer survivors diagnosed at an advanced stage and with greater physical and psychological needs were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with poorer QOL. Conclusion Most prevalent unmet needs among Malaysian breast cancer patients were found in the psychological domain. Early breast cancer survivors with late stage diagnosis who had more unmet needs in psychological and physical domains were more likely to have a poor QOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zobaida Edib
- Department of Community Medicine, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Verasingam Kumarasamy
- Department of Community Medicine, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Norlia Binti Abdullah
- Department of Surgery, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Cheras, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - A M Rizal
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Cheras, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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So WKW, Chow KM, Chan HYL, Choi KC, Wan RWM, Mak SSS, Chair SY, Chan CWH. Quality of life and most prevalent unmet needs of Chinese breast cancer survivors at one year after cancer treatment. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2014; 18:323-8. [PMID: 24703094 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2014.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2013] [Revised: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to examine the supportive care needs of Chinese breast cancer survivors, and investigate the relationships with participant characteristics and quality of life. METHODS A total of 163 participants were recruited from a local public hospital and completed a self-administered questionnaire: the 34-item Supportive Care Needs Survey, the supplementary module of access to healthcare and ancillary support services, and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy. RESULTS The five most commonly reported unmet needs were all in the health system information domain (range: 55-63%), and the majority (84%) reported at least one unmet need in relation to information on healthcare. Stepwise multivariable regression analyses revealed that the time spent on travelling from home to hospital, receiving hormonal therapy, and physical and psychological unmet needs were independently associated with poorer quality of life among the participants. CONCLUSIONS Breast cancer survivors perceive various unmet needs, and health system information is the most common one. Those who have more unmet needs in the physical and psychological domains were more likely to perceive a poorer quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winnie K W So
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Ka Ming Chow
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Helen Y L Chan
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Kai Chow Choi
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Rayman W M Wan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Suzanne S S Mak
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Sek Ying Chair
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Carmen W H Chan
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
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