Insight into quality of life: Understanding the experience of patients with cancer in southern Brazil's public healthcare system.

Abstract

e23223 Background: This study explores the quality of life of individuals undergoing cancer treatment in the southern region of Brazil within the public healthcare system. Recognizing the potential negative impacts of both the disease and its treatment on patients' well-being, there is a pressing need to comprehensively assess their quality of life. The study aims to understand the challenges faced by these individuals in various well-being dimensions. Methods: Data collection occurred from August 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, approved by the Ethics and Research Committee (Opinion Number: 6,136,833). Quality of life was assessed using the Brazilian version of the Medical Outcome Survey Short-Form 36 (SF-36), a validated instrument comprising 11 questions. Inclusion criteria included individuals over 18, of any gender, residing in the southern region if the state of Espirito Santo, diagnosed with cancer, and receiving treatment at the public healthcare reference oncology center. Exclusion criteria encompassed those under 18, non-residents of southern region, lacking a cancer diagnosis and undergoing oncohematological treatments. Among 263 eligible participants, 21 were excluded for not meeting inclusion criteria and 16 invited individuals chose not to participate, resulting in a final sample of 226 individuals. Results: The composition of the participant pool comprised 71.6% women and 28.4% men. The evaluation of quality of life utilized the SF-36 instrument, which explores various domains: Functional Capacity, Limitation due to Physical Aspects, Pain, General Health Status, Vitality, Social Aspects, Emotional Aspects, and Mental Health.Functional Capacity saw 44.20% facing significant difficulties, 32.80% experiencing mild difficulties, and 23% reporting no hindrance in daily activities. Physical limitations due to cancer treatment were reported by 61%, while 39% did not face such limitations. Most patients experienced some level of pain; only 24.20% were pain-free. General Health Status varied from excellent (9.10%) to very bad (2%). Vitality fluctuated, with 31% reporting vitality all the time. Regarding the social dimension, most individuals experience interference, while only 37% report no impact.Emotional aspects interfered with daily life for 59% of participants. Conclusions: This research indicates that both physical and emotional aspects are significantly affected in cancer patients from southern Espírito Santo. While physical limitations and pain are prevalent, emotional aspects, including manifestations of anxiety and depression, also play a substantial role in influencing daily life. Understanding these dimensions is vital for developing targeted interventions, especially for vulnerable individuals relying on Brazil's public healthcare system, to enhance the quality of life during cancer treatment.