Factors affecting quality of life among patients with post-operative breast cancer in Roi-Et province, Thailand

Abstract

This was a cross-sectional study that included 250 post-operative breast cancer patients in Roi-et Province, Thailand. The study was intended to describe the participants' quality of life (QOL) and perceived quality of health services, as assessed by standardized interviewer-administered questionnaires. The study also examined associations of relevant independent variables with service quality and with QOL. Interviews were conducted in the surgical unit within 2 weeks after surgery. Health-related quality of life was assessed by using the WHOQOL-BREF. Most respondents had a moderate level of Quality of life (51.2%), followed by high (48.4%) and low (0.4%) level of quality of life post operative breast Cancer respectively. Service quality score and quality of life (QOL) score were positively and statistically significantly correlated (r=0.569, p<0.001). Age was not significantly related to either score. Age and income were significantly associated with both scores, bur directions of associations were not regular. Neither occupation nor presence of health problems in family members were significantly associated with either score. Both scores were significantly lower in participants in the 30-baht scheme than in those in other insurance schemes. Further research is needed to provide explanations for study findings. This study has limitations. Service quality and QOL were measured within 2 weeks of surgery. These could change with longer time after surgery, as could observed associations of independent variables with service quality and with QOL. Also, type of surgery (e.g., mastectomy vs. lumpectomy), which can be an important determinant of QOL, was not analyzed in this study. The communicable disease and emerging disease of the breast cancer can affect Thai nationals also. To control some disease, quality of life the stakeholders provides supplement information for the formulation of health policy and making resource allocation decisions. To improve quality of life of the patients with post operative breast cancer, Roi-Et Hospital, Roi-Et Province, both governments of the source county and host county should incorporate the breast cancer health in nation and sectoral policies for sustainable development, poverty reduction, employment, trade, environmental protection, and education.