Pg- Tutor, Teerthanker Mahaveer College Of Nursing, Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Online published on 30 November, 2016.
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. After mastectomy problems are increasing such as physical, psychological, social aspect has been found to influence QOL. Assessment of QOL and its related factors help to render a comprehensive health care to Improve QOL of women after mastectomy.
The objective of study was to assess the QOL of post mastectomy women.
A descriptive correlation study was conducted among 110 women attending day care centre or admitting in oncology ward. Data collection tool was Modified Structured interview schedule based on ‘Ferrell, Dow, Grant's Quality of Life Instrument’ – ‘Breast Cancer Patient Version. Frequency distribution, mean percentage and Pearson's and Spearman's correlation coefficients, Chi – square test were used to analysis the data.
Mean percentage of ‘Quality of Life’ score was found highest in ‘Spiritual Domain (74%) in compare to ‘Social Domain’ where it was the lowest (65%). Meaningful relation was found between family income per month and physiological domain (r= 0.21, t = 2.30 p <0.05), and between age and spiritual domain (r = -0.18, t = 1.96, p < 0.05). Also significant relation found between physiological domain and psychological QOL (r- 0.59, t= 7.66, p <0.05) and social QOL (r= 0.53, t=6.54, p < 0.05). Education can make a difference in psychological QOL [x2(1) = 7.59], social QOL [x2(1) = 3.92] and as a whole quality of life [χ2(1) = 9.56]. Treatment modalities also can make a difference in psychological QOL [x2(1) = 3.94], as a whole quality of life.
Evaluation of QOL and related factors can be put to use in the care and treatment of post mastectomy women. Even short-term support and counselling after breast cancer surgery and during treatment can help to improve patients’ QOL. Early intervention is the most effective way of supporting and helping them to cope and enhancing their QOL. This must be taken into account in planning treatment interventions and in the allocation of support to post mastectomy women.
Post mastectomy women, quality of life, breast cancer
