A Descriptive Study to Assess the Quality of Life Among Cancer Patients Residing in Private Accommodations Nearby SKIMS, Soura

Abstract

Background: The World Health Organisation has explained the quality of life as the ability of a person to perceive himself in such a position that he can attain his or her goals, meet his or her expectations, live up to his or her standards and be able to resolve concerns. These all things are to be done by an individual by being in his or her culture or society based on the value system or approved behaviour of his or her society. There are various indicators of quality of life and to mention here are not only employment, wealth, and environment but essentially refer to the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health, education, recreational abilities, leisure time, religious beliefs, safety, care, support, security and freedom. The quality-of-life test is done to check the general condition of the patient suffering from cancer. It helps us to understand psychological, social and spiritual aspects of the disease condition in addition to science and symptoms of the disease or disease progression or adverse effects of the anticancer therapy. Quality of life is a multi-dimensional issue particularly in Cancer patients as it does not affect patients only but the family as well so assessment of the quality of life is essential in cancer care. Aim and Objectives: To assess the QoL among the cancer patients residing in private residences nearby SKIMS Soura, using the QoL scale and to find the association between the quality of life of cancer patients with their demographic variables. Material and Methods: A quantitative research approach with a descriptive research design was adopted to assess the quality of life among cancer patients residing in private accommodations nearby the SKIMS source in Srinagar Kashmir. The population for the present study consists of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy while living temporarily in private accommodations nearby SKIMS Soura Srinagar Kashmir. Thirty study subjects were selected for this study by non-probability purposive sampling technique. The researchers used a modified QoL-ACD scale, a 22-item questionnaire for the data collection as available for open use. Results: The study revealed that the majority of study subjects, 21 (70%) were practising religion, majority of study subjects 7 (23.33%) were in the age group of 46-55 years. The results revealed that half 15 (50%) were males and the other half 15 (50%) were females. The results showed 9 (30%) had completed their 10th standard. In terms of monthly income, a maximum of 14 (46.67%) had a monthly income greater than 15000. The study also revealed that the majority 21 (70%) had average QoL, and 9 (30%) had good QoL. There was none of the study subjects had poor quality of life. It came to the fore during the investigation of the problem that there was no significant association between the level of quality of life of cancer patients residing in private accommodations nearby SKIMS Soura with age (p=0.08) gender (p=0.50), educational background (p=0.45), practising religion (p=0.15), primary care provider (p=0.29), family income per month (p=0.25). Conclusion: Cancer is a terrifying term that harms a patient's quality of life as well as their social, emotional, and physical support networks, as well as those of their family. It makes the family more accountable for providing care, depletes their financial reserves, and exposes them to unfavourable situations. Cancer certainly harms patients' quality of life, which is connected to the nature of the illness, the type of therapy received, and how long the patient has been unwell. Cancer patients' quality of life is significantly reduced by the necessity for frequent hospital admissions, unpleasant emotions, and many physical ailments that change over time.