Abstract
Functional status is the ability to perform daily activities. Little is known about quality of life and health status of gynaecological cancer patients. The present study therefore aimed to evaluate the functional status of women receiving treatment for gynecological oncological disease while not hospitalised. This descriptive study covered 42 patients monitored by the Gynecological Oncology Unit in 2011. Data were collected using the Functional Living Index-Cancer and analysed with the chi square test, independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, one-way ANOVA test and the Kruskal-Wallis H test. Of the 42 cases, 66.7% had been diagnosed within the previous year and 90.5% were undergoing chemotherapy. The most severe symptoms experienced were pain (35.7%), fatigue-weakness (40.5%) and nausea and vomiting (56.5%). Daily activities where the most difficulty was experienced were housework (28.6%), average pace walking (31.0%), carrying more than 5 kg (28.6%). The mean Functional Living Index score was quite high (103.5 ± 24.1). FLIC-C scale scores did not vary with the educational status, diagnosis duration, and family history of cancer (p>0.05). Evaluation of the functional status of gynecological cancer patients and how they cope with problems should indicate to healthcare professionals what help can be given to maintain quality of life.
Highlights
Gynecologic cancer has a significant effect on patients as its diagnosis and treatment are difficult and intensive
functional living index-cancer (FLIC)-C scale scores did not vary with the educational status, diagnosis duration, and family history of cancer (p>0.05)
Evaluation of the functional status of gynecological cancer patients and how they cope with problems should indicate to healthcare professionals what help can be given to maintain quality of life
Summary
Gynecologic cancer has a significant effect on patients as its diagnosis and treatment are difficult and intensive. It includes daily living activities together with symptoms of disease and treatment with its physical dimension and cancer patients including gynecological cancer are prone to significant problems that negatively affect the quality of life (Ell et al, 2008; Luckett et al, 2010; Fader et al, 2011; Van Cleave et al, 2011; 2012). Functional status consists of the individual performing normal daily activities, meeting his/her basic requirements, performing the daily roles and maintaining his/her health and wellbeing. Studies have revealed the effects of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy on the quality of life in gynecologic cancer (Akuzu, 2012; Gogoi, 2012; Van Cleave et al, 2012). Conclusions: Evaluation of the functional status of gynecological cancer patients and how they cope with problems should indicate to healthcare professionals what help can be given to maintain quality of life
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