Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
Quality of life among cancer patients is a serious concern. Future predictions point towards increasing number of cancer cases. Steps to improve quality of life of such cases will be required. This study was planned to assess the quality of life among cancer patients and to look into the aspects which affect their quality of life This study will facilitate to make recommendations to improve the quality of life of cases. Our study is a community‐based cross‐sectional descriptive study. Our study subjects are cancer patients registered with the state cancer registry and residents of Solan District in Himachal Pradesh. We used Karnofksy Performance Scale (KPS) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐ General (FACT‐) questionnaire to assess the activity level and quality of life domains in cancer patients. A total of 98 cancer patients were interviewed. Mean age of study subjects was 63.2 years and median 65 years. Most of the patients were in advanced stages and were on palliative care. Majority of participants were having a score between 50 and 70 on KPS, indicating dependence for daily activities. Participants had a mean FACT‐G score of 59.3±15.8. Emotional and functional well being domains were most affected adversely. Our results show that the quality of life among cancer patients is low. Apart from the social domain of well being, all other domains were found to be low. These can be addressed by a focused approach to improve physical, functional and emotional dimensions in cancer patients under the National Programme for Palliative Care in India.
How to cite this article:
Bandna Gautam, Jai Gopal Vohra, Abhishek Pathania and Gurmeet Singh. Quality of Life Among Community Dwelling Cancer Patients in a Hilly District of North India.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.11.370.374
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2024.11.370.374