Quality of Life in Patients With Malignant Disease

Abstract

Aim: To assess the quality of life in patients with a malignant disease.

Research subjects and methods: Research included 105 patients with a malignant disease who were receiving stationary and daily treatment at the Radiotherapy and Oncology Department of the University Hospital Center, Osijek, Croatia. A questionnaire containing various demographic data and including a scale for measuring the quality of life in patients with a malignant disease – the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) – was used as a research instrument.

Results: Average score on the scale was 89. Level of satisfaction with social/family relationships was significantly lower in older respondents (p = 0.027), single persons (p = 0.018) and participants with total income under HRK 3,000 (p = 0.031). Regarding family and social relationships, the patients receiving hospital day care expressed a significantly higher level of satisfaction (p = 0.001), as well as the subjects with college/university qualifications (p = 0.007). Patients with malignant disease of the head and neck expressed significantly lower levels of satisfaction on all subscales and with regard to overall health (p = 0.005).

Conclusion: Quality of life in patients with a malignant disease is satisfactory.