Assessment of quality of life among pediatric patients with cancer in khartoum oncology hospital: A cross-sectional pilot study

Abstract

Background: The quality of life (QoL) of pediatric oncology patients is multidimensional, including the social, physical, and emotional executive functions of the child and the family. The study aimed to assess QoL in pediatric patients with cancer on and off treatment and to determine the factors that affect the QoL. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study that included 104 children aged between 7 and 17 years, who were recruited using a Non-probability convenient sampling method. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™ 4.0) generic core scale and the PedsQL™ 3.0 cancer module were used as data collection tools. The data were coded, entered, and analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. T-test and ANOVA tests were used for the data analysis. Results: Out of 104 patients, males were 70 (67.3%). The QoL score mean was (71.68 ± 11), with the highest score was found in subscale procedural anxiety (86.54 ± 23.09), and the lowest score was found in subscales general health (44.47 ± 30.76). The older children showed the lowest QoL score (mean 68.38 ± 8.22) comparing to with younger age (70.5 ± 13.15). There were no significant differences between overall QoL scores and gender, type of cancer, and treatment status. Conclusion: Children reported an acceptable overall QoL score mean. There was no significant difference in QoL between males and females, treatment status, type of cancer. The total score of the PedsQL™ 4.0 scale was significantly correlated with pain, nausea, worry, cognitive problem, perceived physical appearance, and satisfaction subscales.