Psychological Distress and Quality of Life among Women with Breast Cancer at a Selected Hospital in Bangladesh

https://doi.org/10.46610/IJSMWH.2026.v07i01.003

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to assess the psychological distress and quality of life among women with breast cancer and to examine their relationship at a selected hospital in Bangladesh.

Methods: A correlational study was conducted among 102 women with breast cancer using a convenience sampling technique. The data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire consisting of 15 items, the Kessler psychological distress scale, composed of 10 items, and the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, consisting of 26 items. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to gather the data. The collected data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 39.38±10.29 years. Most (81.4%) of the participants were experienced mild to severe psychological distress, and more than half (54.9%) of the participants reported a poor quality of life. There was a strong negative correlation between psychological distress and quality of life (r =-.825, p = .000). Age, religion, education, monthly family income, occupation, number of children, place of residence, and an underlying condition correlated with psychological distress and quality of life.

Conclusion: The findings of the study would be useful to provide valuable insights for health policymakers to formulate strategies aimed at reducing psychological distress and enhancing the quality of life concerning breast cancer.