Quality of life among Ethiopian cancer patients

Health-related quality of life among adult patients with cancer in Uganda - a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with poor health-related quality of life in adults with cancer in Uganda.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study surveyed 385 adult patients (95% response rate) with various cancers at a specialised oncology facility in Uganda. Health-related quality of life was measured using the EORTC QLQ-C30 in the Luganda and English languages. Predetermined validated clinical thresholds were applied to the instrument in order to identify patients with poor health-related quality of life, that is, functional impairments or symptoms warranting concern. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with poor health-related quality of life in six subscales: Physical Function, Role Function, Emotional Function, Social Function, Pain and Fatigue.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 48 years. The majority self-reported poor functioning ranging between 61% (Emotional Function) to 79% (Physical Function) and symptoms (Fatigue 63%, Pain 80%) at clinically concerning levels. These patients were more likely to be older, without formal education and not currently working. Being an inpatient at the facility and being diagnosed with cervical cancer or leukaemia was a predictor of poor health-related quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Improvement of cancer care in East Africa requires a comprehensive and integrated approach that addresses various challenges specific to the region. Such strategies include investment in healthcare infrastructure, for example, clinical guidelines to improve pain management, and patient education and support services.

Quality of Life of Patients With Cancer at the Beni Mellal Oncology Center

OBJECTIVES

Cancer and its treatments significantly impact individuals' lives and quality of life (QOL). Research on QOL examines these effects, encompassing physical, psychological, and social aspects. Understanding QOL factors is vital for both patients and clinicians. The evaluation of QOL of patients with cancer and its associated predictive factors has not been previously investigated within the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region of Morocco. Our primary aim was to assess the QOL experienced by patients while simultaneously identifying the determinants and predictors influencing it.

METHODS

Patients were enrolled in a cross-sectional study conducted at the Beni Mellal Oncology Center. Each participant was required to fill out the Moroccan Arabic version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 questionnaire, along with a supplemental questionnaire gathering sociodemographic information. A linear regression analysis was executed to ascertain predictors of the Global Health Status (GHS) and 5 functional scales. The statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) v25 software.

RESULTS

Our study included 369 patients, with an average age of 52.89. The mean score on the QLQC30 GHS Scale was 64.97. Notably, this score exhibited positive correlations with emotional, social, and role functioning scales, while demonstrating negative correlations with prostate and lung cancers, as well as the presence of pain. Furthermore, the presence of fatigue exhibited associations with all functioning scales, except for social functioning.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients exhibited a favorable GHS. However, it is noteworthy that prostate cancer, lung cancer, the presence of pain, and diminished emotional, social, and role functioning emerged as independent factors significantly associated with poorer GHS.

The effect of cognitive behavioural therapy integrated with activity pacing on cancer-related fatigue, depression and quality of life among patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy in Ethiopia: A randomised clinical trial

Fatigue is a common symptom experienced by 80% of individuals who receive chemotherapy and is one of the major factors that affect quality of life (QoL) of patients with breast cancer. Our study aimed to assess the effect of cognitive behavioural therapy integrated with activity pacing (CBT-AP) on cancer-related fatigue among patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. A parallel-group, randomised controlled trial was conducted. Severely fatigued patients were randomly assigned to the CBT-AP or usual care (UC) groups using a computer-generated random sequence. The new intervention was designed for seven sessions: three 2-hour face-to-face and four 30-minute telephone sessions. The primary outcome (fatigue severity) and the secondary outcomes (depression and QoL) were assessed at the end of the intervention and after 3 months. The data were analysed by repeated measures analyses of covariance (RM-ANCOVA). CBT-AP had a significant time effect (P < .001, ηp²  = 0.233) in reducing fatigue from baseline (adjusted mean = 7.48) to the end of the intervention (adjusted mean = 6.37) and the 3-month follow-up (adjusted mean = 6.54). Compared to the UC group, the CBT-AP group had lower fatigue and depression scores, and higher global health status scores. The group × time interaction revealed a significant reduction in fatigue and depression in the CBT-AP group compared to the UC group. Therefore, CBT-AP appears to be effective in reducing fatigue and depression and improving QoL in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. It is highly recommended to integrate a CBT-AP intervention in routine cancer care.

Quality of Life among Ethiopian Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review of Literatures

Background

Assessment of quality of life (QoL) in cancer patients can provide an overall picture of the patient's adaptation to the disease and maintain long-term health and well-being. Determining the QoL in cancer patients could help with better care and could be as prognostic as medical factors and the survival benefit that pharmacological treatment could provide. The main objective of this review was to determine the prevalence of QoL among Ethiopian adult cancer patients.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted using the "Preferred Reporting Results of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses" guidelines. Databases such as PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, AMED, Embase, the Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, World Health Organization's Hinari portal, and African Journals Online databases were searched from January 2022 to June 2022. Google, Google Scholar, and university repositories were used to access unpublished studies. Two reviewers independently screened the data using a standardized data extraction format and appraised their quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results

In this review, 10 studies were included. The prevalence of poor QoL ranged from 52 to 89.6. The physical, role, social, and emotional functioning were the most affected domains of QoL and have been significantly associated with QoL. Financial difficulty was the most important predictor of QoL among Ethiopian cancer patients. Pain, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, and poor appetite were also reported as predictors of QoL. Low income, lower educational status, unmarried status, underweight, anxiety, and depression, advanced stage of cancer, patients with ≤2 cycles of chemotherapy, and the presence of comorbid diseases were significantly correlated with QoL.

Conclusions

The QoL of an Ethiopian cancer patient was low. Quality of life assessments, appropriate symptom management, integration of psycho-oncology care, and providing economic support shall be considered to improve their QoL.

Impact of facilitating continued accessibility to cancer care during COVID-19 lockdown on perceived wellbeing of cancer patients at a rural cancer center in Rwanda

During the COVID-19 pandemic in Rwanda, Partners In Health Inshuti Mu Buzima collaborated with the Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence (BCCOE) to mitigate disruptions to cancer care by providing patients with free transportation to treatment sites and medication delivery at patients' local health facilities. We assessed the relationship between facilitated access to care and self-reported wellbeing outcomes. This cross-sectional telephone survey included cancer patients enrolled at BCCOE in March 2020. We used linear regression to compare six dimensions of quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30), depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and financial toxicity (COST) among patients who did and did not receive facilitated access to care. We also assessed access to cancer care and whether patient wellbeing and its association with facilitated access to care differed by socioeconomic status. Of 214 respondents, 34.6% received facilitated access to care. Facilitated patients were more likely to have breast cancer and be on chemotherapy. Facilitation was significantly associated with more frequent in-person clinical encounters, improved perceived quality of cancer care, and reduced transportation-related barriers. Facilitated patients had significantly better global health status (β = 9.14, 95% CI: 2.3, 16.0, p <0.01) and less financial toxicity (β = 2.62, 95% CI: 0.2,5.0, p = 0.03). However, over half of patients reported missing or delaying appointment. Patient wellbeing was low overall and differed by patient socioeconomic status, with poor patients consistently showing worse outcomes. Socioeconomic status did not modify the association between facilitated access to care and wellbeing indicators. Further, facilitation did not lead to equitable wellbeing outcomes between richer and poorer patients. Facilitated access to care during COVID-19 pandemic was associated with some improvements in access to cancer care and patient wellbeing. However, cancer patients still experienced substantial disruptions to care and reported low overall levels of wellbeing, with socioeconomic disparities persisting despite facilitated access to care. Implementing more robust, equity-minded facilitation and better patient outreach programs during health emergencies may promote better care and strengthen patient care overall and effect better patients' outcomes.

Quality of Life and Associated Factors Among Adult Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy Treatment at Amhara National, Regional State, Ethiopia, 2021

Background

In cancer, quality of life (QoL) is an important patient-reported metric; evaluating how patients feel physically and emotionally while fighting the disease could lead to better treatment. Despite its therapeutic effects, chemotherapy treatment causes a plethora of side effects that can affect QoL. Factors affecting the QoL of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment in Ethiopia have not been thoroughly investigated. As a result, this study assesses QoL and associated characteristics among adult cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at Amhara Region, Ethiopia in 2021.

Martials and Methods

From February 15 to May 15, 2021, an institutional based cross-sectional study was done in Amhara region. Three hundred fourteen patients were included in the study. The data was gathered using Amharic version of European organization for research and treatment of cancer quality of life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ C-30) through a face-to-face interview. Epi Data 4.6 was used to enter the data, which was then exported to SPSS version 23 for statistical analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between independent and dependent variables. The statistical significance was determined by a p-value of less than .05.

Result

Cancer patients in Amhara Region had a 44.32 average QoL. Emotional functioning AOR 1.01 (1.0-1.04), social functioning AOR 1.02 (1.01-1.03), nausea and vomiting AOR 0.95 (0.93-0.98), pain AOR 0.95 (0.93-0.98), financial difficulty 0.97 (0.95-0.99), education AOR 4.3 (1.49-12.32), underweight AOR 0.45 (0.24-0.84),  > 5th cycle of chemotherapy AOR 4 (1.78-9.11), stage IV cancer AOR 0.21 (0.06-0.71), comorbidity AOR 0.28 (0.14-0.57), anxiety AOR 0.32 (0.12-0.84), and depression AOR 0.29 (0.13-0.63) were all significantly associated with QoL in multivariable logistic regression.

Conclusion

Adult cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in the Amhara region had a poor QoL. Emotional functioning, social functioning, nausea and vomiting, pain, financial difficulty, education, body mass index, cancer stage, chemotherapy cycle, comorbidity, anxiety, and depression all had association with QoL. To improve the QoL of cancer patients, QoL assessments, proper symptom management, nutritional support, and integration of psycho-oncology treatment should be considered.

A pilot study of cognitive behavioural therapy integrated with activity pacing for fatigued breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in Ethiopia

Background

Fatigue is a common symptom in breast cancer patients, and it is one of the major factors that influence the quality of life (QoL). Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been recommended to manage cancer-related fatigue. In this study, CBT will be integrated with activity pacing (AP), which can help breast cancer patients achieve a balance between activity and rest. Therefore, this pilot study aimed to investigate the acceptability, feasibility, and efficacy of the CBT-AP intervention.

Methods

A total of 10 fatigued breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were included in the study. The acceptability and feasibility of the study were measured by the patient recruitment rate, attrition rate, intervention fidelity, intervention compliance, and therapist’s and participant’s evaluations of the intervention. The outcomes were measured at baseline and at 6 weeks of intervention.

Results

The pre–post study suggested that CBT-AP was found to be acceptable and feasible for fatigued breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Among 27 eligible participants, 10 (37.03%) participants accepted our invitation to participate in the study. One participant dropped out from the intervention because of serious illness, and the dropout rate was 10%.

Both the intervention fidelity and intervention compliance were found to be satisfactory.

Fatigue severity [Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI)] was reduced in 77.77% of participants from baseline to 6 weeks of intervention. The global health status/QoL scale and physical, emotional, and social functioning scales were improved from baseline to 6 weeks of intervention. All symptom scales, except constipation, diarrhea, and financial difficulties, were decreased after the intervention. Depression [Public Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9] was reduced in 55.55% of participants.

Conclusion

This study suggested that CBT-AP is an acceptable, feasible, and potentially efficacious intervention to reduce fatigue and improve the QoL of breast cancer patients. The efficacy of a CBT-AP programme is going to be investigated in subsequent larger randomized clinical trials.

Quality of life and its influencing factors among breast cancer patients at Tikur Anbessa specialised hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background

Quality of life (QoL) has become an important measure for evaluating cancer patients’ treatment and prognosis. Breast cancer patients are at an increased risk of experiencing poor QoL during active treatment of cancer. This study aimed to assess QoL and it’s influencing factors among breast cancer patients using the newly updated breast cancer specific tool of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer EORTC Breast Cancer Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire QLQ-BR45.

Methods

An institutional based crossectional study was conducted with 248 breast cancer patients at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH). Descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and linear regression were used to describe and analyze the data.

Results

The participant’s Global health status/QoL mean score was 65.6. Among the functional scales, future perspective scored the lowest (57.1, SD ± 37.3). The highest mean score on the symptom scales/items were financial difficulties (50, SD ± 38.6), followed by appetite loss (37.4, SD ± 36.4) and fatigue (34.3, SD ± 27.1) while the lowest symptom score was diarrhoea (6.4 ± 18.4). EORTC QLQ-BR45, future perspective (mean = 57.1, SD ± 37.3) and upset by hair loss (41.8, SD ± 34.6) were the most affected functioning and symptoms scales respectively. An increased stage of tumor was associated with more pain (P = 0.041), appetite loss (P = 0.042), and arm symptoms (P = 0.003). Patients who had no comorbidity had better physical (P < 0.001), cognitive (P = 0.013), and social (P = 0.009) function.

Conclusion

These specific functional scales and symptoms should be assessed individually to address unmet needs. Clinicians could design psychosocial interventions to improve these function and to reduce symptoms.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09921-6.

Translation and validation of the EORTC QLQ-BR45 among Ethiopian breast cancer patients

This study aimed to examine the validity and reliability of the EORTC QLQ-BR45 questionnaire among breast cancer patients in Ethiopia. This study included 248 breast cancer patients who completed the QLQ-BR45 and QLQ-C30 questionnaires. The internal reliability, test–retest reliability, and the content, concurrent, convergent, divergent, and clinical validity of the tool were examined. The statistical analyses included Cronbach’s α coefficient, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, standardised root mean square residual (SRMR), comparative fit index (CFI), t-test, and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA). All items were marked as relevant, and item-level content validity index (I-CVI) scores ranged from 0.83 to 1. The S-CVI/Ave was calculated by dividing the sum of I-CVI values by the total number of items, which was found to be 0.94. The average CVR value was 0.76. The Cronbach’s α coefficient was 0.80 for all domains. All subscales met the minimal standards of reliability except the arm symptom scale (0.66). The test–retest reliability coefficient was 0.77 for all domains. Seven out of the 12 hypothesised scales showed positive correlations (r > 0.40) between the QLQ-BR45 and QLQ-C30 scales. Multitrait scaling analysis showed that the item-scale correlations exceeded the 0.40 criterion for item-convergent validity for 11 of the 12 hypothesised scales. The correlation coefficients between an item and its own subscale were significantly higher than with other subscales. The EORTC QLQ-BR45 had good reliability and validity, and it can be used to measure the quality of life of breast cancer patients in Ethiopia.

Study Protocol of CBT-AP Trial: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Integrated with Activity Pacing for Fatigued Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

PURPOSE

This paper reports the methodology for undertaking a randomized controlled trial to assess the combined effect of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and activity pacing on fatigue experienced by breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

METHOD

Fifty-eight patients experiencing severe fatigue will be randomized to a CBT group or usual care group. The intervention will be given for 6 sessions by a trained oncology nurse. Primary and secondary outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, the sixth week of intervention and at the third month post intervention. The primary outcome measure is fatigue (Brief Fatigue Inventory) and secondary outcome measures include depression (Patient Health Questionnaire) and quality of life (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire). The protocol is designed using the SPIRIT guidelines which is one of the EQUATOR checklists.

DISCUSSION

This is the first RCT that will determine the efficacy of CBT by integrating with activity pacing to reduce fatigue among breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The intervention design is novel in addressing multiple precipitating and perpetuating factors of fatigue and integrated with activity pacing in CBT.

CONCLUSION

If the intervention is effective, this therapeutic approach can be incorporated into a routine health care for breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study have been registered in Pan-African Clinical Trial Registry (website) on August 24, 2020. The trial registration number is PACTR202008881026130.

The impact of radiotherapy on the quality of life in patients with early-stage clinical head and neck cancer

Radiotherapy (RT) for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) affects vital functions related to the irradiation volume of the head and neck region and, in addition, has a negative impact on social functioning, thereby significantly impairing patients' quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to assess changes in the quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer treated with curative RT at 12 months after completion of RT. The aim of this study was to assess the differences between the baseline QoL of patients with early clinical stage HNSCC and at 12 months after curative/radical RT. The prospective clinical study included 92 patients in good general condition (ECOG 0-1 - Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status), without regional or distant metastases, diagnosed with pathomorphologically confirmed early-stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with definitive RT. All patients participating in the study signed an informed consent form. QoL was assessed using the standard EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQH&amp;N35 questionnaires. In addition, information on clinical aspects and data relating to socio-demographic factors were obtained from each patient. Statistical analysis was performed using a statistical package (SPSS 17.0). T-test was used for dependent and independent samples. A general linear model was used for repeated measures. Patients' QoL deteriorated significantly after definitive RT. Worse QoL Core-30 scores in patients 12 months after the end of RT, compared with baseline QoL, before the start of RT, were observed in domains such as physical performance, fulfillment of life roles, cognitive functioning, loss of appetite, fatigue and constipation. For the QLQ-H&amp;N35 questionnaires, patients 12 months after the end of RT reported problems in relation to aspects of life such as senses, mouth opening, dry mouth, thick saliva, pain, and weight loss. RT, even in early clinical stage head and neck cancer, has a negative impact on QoL, despite modern treatment techniques.

The Impact of AC and AC-T Chemotherapy's Toxicities on Quality of Life Among Women with Breast Cancer in Ethiopia: A Prospective Patient-Reported Outcomes Study

PURPOSE

The study aimed to evaluate the quality of life patterns and the effects of AC and AC-T chemotherapy's toxicities on QoL among Ethiopian women with breast cancer.

METHODS

QoL was measured at baseline and at every end of two cycles, for the median of 8 cycles among 146 breast cancer women on AC and AC-T chemotherapy, using EORTC QLQ-C30 and BR23 instruments. The effect of QoL score, socio-demographic, and clinical variables at baseline were adjusted for the effect of chemotherapy's toxicities on QoL.

RESULTS

Overall QoL, all functional scales (except cognitive functioning, body image, future perspectives, and sexual functioning) and symptom scales (except dyspnea, insomnia, pain score, arm, and breast symptoms) of EORTC QLQ-C30 and BR23 deteriorated significantly both clinically and statistically, in particular, during the first two cycles of chemotherapy. After the end of cycle 2 or 4, except for cognitive, social functioning, and financial difficulties of the patients, almost all other QoL dimensions were improved towards pretreatment score by the end of cycle 8. In addition to age, educational status, and tumor stage, the Global Health Status (-10.55≤B≤-7.71, P≤0.013), and the functional scales (-25.320≤B≤-6.351, P≤0.033) of EORTC QLQ-C30 and BR23 were significantly affected at least by one of the AC and AC-T chemotherapy's toxicity such as grade≥2 fatigue, dysgeusia, constipation, dry mouth, vomiting, oral mucositis, skin hyperpigmentation and/or peripheral neuropathy than their lower grade. Grade≥2 fatigue, dysgeusia, oral mucositis, constipation, peripheral neuropathy, anemia arthralgia/myalgia, dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, and/or skin hyperpigmentation were positively predicted for the deterioration of symptoms scale of EORTC QLQ-C30 and BR23 (4.819≤B≤26.451, P≤0.043).

CONCLUSION

Quality of life among Ethiopian breast cancer patients on AC and AC-T regimens significantly deteriorated particularly during the first two cycles of chemotherapy. In addition to the age, tumor stage and educational status of the patients, grade≥2 fatigue, dysgeusia, constipation, oral mucositis, dry mouth, peripheral neuropathy, and skin hyperpigmentation due to AC and AC-T chemotherapy were frequently associated with deterioration of different scales/items QoL. Hence, devising different strategies to improve the deteriorated QoL due to chemotherapy's toxicities particularly during the first two cycles has paramount importance.

Patients' Responses to the Sudden Interruption of Chemotherapy During the Outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose

This cross-sectional study aimed to describe the responses of cancer patients’ indifferent chemotherapy cycles to the unstructured treatment interruption during the COVID-19 pandemic in China.

Patients and Methods

Data from 156 adult patients with common solid tumors undergoing chemotherapy or ready to begin chemotherapy after surgery before the COVID-19 outbreak were analyzed in the study. Patients’ responses to the chemotherapy interruption and their anxiety were assessed.

Results

Overall, 141 (90%) patients completed the study, and 115 (81.6%) accepted a switch from their previous intravenous chemotherapy to oral chemotherapy. Of these, 29 (65.9%) patients with lung cancer, 25 (86.2%) with gastric cancer, 33 (89.2%) with colorectal cancer and 28 (90.3%) with breast cancer switched from intravenous to oral treatment, heeding their doctor’s advice. Of the participants, 85 (60.3%) patients reported that they had taken at least one kind of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) scores increased in patients with advanced refractory cancer compared with the scores of adjuvant chemotherapy patients (P < 0.05). The prevalence of anxiety was high in cancer patients aged 60 years or older. Furthermore, anxiety was associated with advanced incurable cancer (P < 0.05), and this finding remained after adjusting for chronic pain. In addition, there were significantly increased scores of anxiety in patients with lung cancer (P <0 0.05).

Conclusion

Our study shows that most cancer patients remained relatively stable and had switched from intravenous to oral treatment at home. Among them, an increasing number of patients began to seek CAM as a complementary therapeutic approach. Patients with advanced refractory cancer were more likely to experience anxiety, and lung cancer patients should receive special attention.

Palliative care needs among patients with advanced illnesses in Bhutan

Background

Palliative care improves the quality of lives of patients and families affected by advanced illnesses through the prevention and relief of suffering. While palliative care is well established in developed countries, it is inadequate or non-existent in most developing countries. Palliative care is an emerging concept in Bhutan, a tiny Himalayan Kingdom. A small community palliative care service is available in the national referral hospital with three dedicated inpatient palliative care beds. This study explored the needs for palliative care among patients diagnosed with advanced illnesses and is a component of a larger project aimed to inform a suitable palliative care model for the country.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional descriptive study. A survey, using a structured questionnaire including the EORTC QLQ-C30, was carried out among patients with advanced illness in hospitals, primary care units and communities across the country. Purposeful and snowball sampling strategies were used to recruit study participants.

Results

Seventy (76%), out of 93 eligible patients, agreed to participate in the survey. Participants reported low to moderate scores on physical, role, emotional, cognitive and social functioning, a moderate score for the global health/ quality of life scale and moderately high (worse) scores in symptoms including fatigue, pain, insomnia, loss of appetite and the financial impact from the disease.

Conclusions

The symptom burden experienced by patients affected by advanced illnesses demonstrates the need for palliative care in Bhutan. These findings will help inform the development of a public health-focused palliative care model, modified to the Bhutanese context, as recommended by the World Health Organization.

Evaluation of Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Hematological Malignancies

Objective:

Physiological and/or psychological problems that affect the quality of life of the patients occur depending on the diagnosis and treatment of hematological malignancies. Cancer treatment causes sexual problems such as infertility, vaginal dryness, and erectile dysfunction in the patients. Erectile dysfunction and loss of sexual desire are the most common sexual problems of men, while dyspareunia and loss of sexual desire are the most common sexual problems of women. This descriptive study was carried out to evaluate sexual problems and affecting factors in the patients with hematological cancer.

Methods:

Between July 1, 2011, and July 31, 2011, 45 sexually active patients who volunteered to participate in the study and whose written consents were obtained were included in the study. The data of the study were collected using the descriptive characteristics form prepared by the researchers based on the relevant literature and the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX). The scale scores range from 5 to 30 and a score of >11 above indicates sexual dysfunction.

Results:

Sexual dysfunction was observed in 62.2% of the patients. About 80.0% of women and 57.1% of men had sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction was observed to be highest between the ages of 52–71 (81.2%) years. The mean total ASEX score was 15.90 ± 4.25 in women and 13.34 ± 5.37 in men. The ability to reach orgasm subscale score was found to differ by gender in the ASEX scale (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The prevalence of sexual dysfunction is high in the patients with hematological malignancies. It is recommended to evaluate these patients in terms of the presence of sexual dysfunction, as in the patients with other chronic diseases.