The Role of Socioeconomic Conditions in Shaping Multidimensional Quality of Life Outcomes for Hospitalized Cancer Patients

Abstract

Increase in cancer incidences, morbidity and complications of cancer poses serious problems
for India. It is reported that in an Indian context, the socio-demographic variables of patient
and his family play significant role in all aspect of patient life, experience of suffering,
caregiver burden, coping etc. Due to delayed diagnosis, financial problems and poor mental
health in patients with cancer, their quality of life is getting diminished with less social
contact among patients. The objectives of the present study were to assess the Quality of Life
(QOL) among people with cancer, to identify the relation between selected sociodemographic
variables and Quality of Life among people with cancer. Descriptive research
design was employed, and Study was conducted in an urban oncology center at
Tiruchirappalli, TamilNadu. Census techniques were adopted and all the eligible cancer
patients attending the center were recruited. Data were collected using WHOQOL 1995, and
semi structured interview schedule. Data was analyzed using Descriptive and inferential
statistics like independent t test, chi-square test and one-way ANOVA. Majority of the
respondents experience poor QOL in physical domain (60%), Psychological domain (56%),
Distress-related domain (60%), Spiritual domain (54%). Ages, Number of children showed
significant relationship with the Quality of Life among people with cancer.