A study to assess the quality of life of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in selected hospital, Punjab

The world cancer report tells us that cancer rates are set to increase at an alarming rate by 50% to 1.5 million cases in the year 2020. Cancer is emerging as one of the major fatal diseases. The chemotherapy, which is the most preferable treatment for curbing this diseased condition, has also laden many side effects, thus completely affecting the quality of life of the patients. Health related quality of life is a multifactorial concept and includes effects of disease, side effects of treatment and physical, psychosocial functions. Quality of life is one of the health outcomes that enable healthcare providers to better address the ongoing concerns of cancer patients.

To assess the quality of life of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in selected hospital of Punjab.

A descriptive study was conducted on 60 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in Patel hospital, Jalandhar, Punjab who were selected by purposive sampling. Modified standardized rating scale (QLQ 30) was used to assess the quality of life of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

The findings showed that majority of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy had average quality of life. While analyzing the different domains of quality of life, it was also confirmed that most of the cancer patients i.e. 45% had poor physical, 60% had poor psychological status and 50% had average economical status. It was confirmed that the dietary pattern and duration of chemotherapy treatment had significant impact on the quality of life.

The study revealed that the majority of the cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy have average quality of life but have poor physical and psychological status because of side effects of chemotherapy and prolonged treatment regimen.