Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to measure the quality of life (QOL) and to identify the factors influencing QOL in gynecological cancer patients.
METHODS
The subjects of this study were 242 people who were receiving medical therapy or follow-up after surgery from one general hospital in Daegu. Data were collected from August 1, 2010 to January 31, 2011. A questionnaire including questions on QOL, distress score, distress problem, depression, anxiety, insomnia, perceived health status and body image were completed by the subjects.
RESULTS
The mean score of QOL was 70.68+/-13.40. Religion, job, presence of spouse, level of education, household income, financial compensation, disease stage and recurrence were the significant factors related to QOL. Distress score, distress problem, depression, anxiety, insomnia, perceived health status and body image were also significant factors influencing QOL. Sixty eight percent of the variance in subjective overall QOL can be explained by body image, distress problem, distress score, anxiety, level of education and perceived health status (Cum R2=0.689, F=76.316, p<.001). Body image was the most important factor related to QOL.
CONCLUSION
An integrative care program which includes general, disease-related and psychosocial characteristics of patients is essential to improve QOL in gynecological cancer patients.