Quality of life and mental health among gynaecological cancer patients towards the end of COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the mental health and quality of life (QOL) in gynaecological cancer patients, and to identify key risk factors for improved management. In addition, during a period of reduced impact of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection, we sought to examine its current impact on mental health and QOL. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 175 gynaecological cancer patients. The survey assessed QOL (The World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref, anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)). Multivariable linear regression was used for analysis. Being diagnosed in the last one year was associated with higher HADS depression score (p < 0.001) and recurrence was associated with both higher HADS anxiety and depression scores (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001). Age ≤60 years old was a significant negative predictor for psychological health (p = 0.002) and overall QOL (p = 0.017). Complications during surgery were identified as a significant negative predictor affecting psychological health (p = 0.018), but did not affect the other domains. Disease recurrence was observed to significantly influence QOL scores in physical health (p = 0.014) and overall QOL (p < 0.001). This study highlights that recurrence has a significant impact on mental health and QOL of gynaecological cancer patients. Patients diagnosed within last year should be carefully assessed for risk of depression. Younger patients and those with surgical complications may experience reduced QOL. Importantly, COVID-19 showed no apparent negative impact on the mental health or QOL in these patients, which is no longer considered a significant contributor to adverse effects.