Quality of life among gastric cancer patients in one center in Baghdad, Iraq in 2021.

Abstract

Background:

In Iraq, gastric cancer is the ninth most frequent cancer. health-related quality of life (HRQOL) encompasses a person's physical, mental, emotional, and psychological well-being, as well as their social and functional status. These aspects are crucial in assessing the long-term health consequences of stomach cancer. The purpose of this study is to summarize the quality of life among gastric cancer patients and how it affects their daily activity.

Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in an oncology teaching hospital in Baghdad Iraq in 2021. 30 patients with gastric cancer diagnosed using endoscopic biopsy were recruited. Participants were asked to answer questions in a structured interview. The questionnaire included questions about the quality of life including symptoms, treatment, and activities of daily living.

Results:
Half of the sample were males. 46.66% were in their sixth decade or older. 33% had poor quality of life during the recent 3 months and 80% had worse quality of life than before. 50% had worse economic status than before. 30% had a lack of energy almost every day and 80% had a low mood at least once a day. Diabetes is the most frequent co-morbidity.

Conclusion:

The majority of patients had a good or acceptable lifestyle, but worse than before with half having worse economic status than before. Most participants have bad moods and lack of energy, and the majority have limited social activities.

Keywords: quality, life, gastric cancer, Iraq.