Quality of Life for Cancer Survivors at Africa Inland Church Kijabe Hospital, Kiambu County, Kenya.
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Date
2022
Authors
Kung’u, Mary Mugure
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Following recent advances in cancer detection, treatment and supportive care, numbers of cancer survivors have been increasingly rising both locally and globally. With this increases, their quality of life is also affected. Few studies have explored the quality of life of cancer survivor in relation to socio-demographic, disease characteristics and spiritual factors. This study aimed to determine the relationship between socio-demographic variables, disease characteristics and spiritual factors and quality of life of cancer survivors. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used in the study with closed self-administered and interviewed questionnaire being the method of data collection. Quality of Life Patient/Cancer Survivor Version (QOL-CSV) questionnaire was adopted and modified for the study. The study involved 108 study participants, both male and female, 21-86 years. Responses were statistically analyzed with bivariate (Spearman rho) and multivariate analysis (step wide multiple regression) conducted. Descriptive statistics showed that majority of the participants were female, married, having secondary level of education and with stage II cancer. In the bivariate analysis, relationship between socio-demographic factors and quality of life revealed that there was a statistical significant correlation of quality of life with age, gender, education level, marital status and income of the cancer patients. Also, there was a statistical significant relationship between quality of life with stage of cancer diagnosis and year of cancer diagnosis. The comparison between spiritual/religious variables and quality of life showed statistical significant correlation in relation to religious affiliation, the religion one belonged to and how contented with faith in God one was. In the multivariate analysis, age, stage of cancer diagnosis, time off treatment, educational level and religious affiliation were identified as predictors of quality of life of the cancer patients. Healthcare providers’ interventions should focus on early cancer detection and treatment as stage of cancer diagnosis is a key determinant of patients’ quality of life. Spiritual therapy should be part of holistic care provided to cancer patients to boost their quality of life.
Description
A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science in Nursing (Oncology) in the School of Nursing-Kenyatta University, April, 2022
Keywords
Quality of Life, Cancer Survivors, Africa Inland Church, Kijabe Hospital, Kiambu County, Kenya