During the last two decades, health-related quality of life (QoL) measurements have been an important issue in understanding the difficulties perceived in many diseases. It is important to assess the health-related quality of life to know the extent of diseases and conditions affecting individual’s general well-being. Studies have shown the effect various determinants of Quality of Life (QoL) in lung cancer patients. This study was done to assess the QoL in individuals with non- small cell lung cancer undergoing palliative care.
Materials and Method: Data on QoL were collected using a modified MOS-SF form-32. The study was done in 27 individuals before and after providing supportive or palliative care. A random mixed linear model was used to assess impact of palliative care on Quality of Life with Physical Health Summary score and Mental Health Summary score as main outcomes. All the possible confounding factors were controlled in the study.
When values were compared before and after giving palliative care the Physical Health Summary score decreased considerably. (diff=-2.12; 95% CI: [-4.08, -0.63]) with small to medium effect sizes. The PHS Score remained lower after being on palliative care for more than 2 years (diff=-5.86; 95% CI: [-7.89, -3.63]).]). The Mental Health summary score didn’t change significantly after giving palliative care (diff=-5.86; 95% CI: [-7.89, -3.63]). The Mental Health summary score was higher after HAART for more than 5 years when compared prior to infection.
Quality of life is an important determinant in the course of lung cancer. Palliative or supportive care can play a vital role in improving the quality of life in patients with lung cancer.
The author.
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The author has declared no conflicts of interest.