Study to Assess the Quality of Life of Patients with Lung Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy in a Tertiary Care Centre, Kochi

Abstract

Background: Lung cancer represents the second most frequent cancer diagnosis globally, significantly compromising physical health and psychological well-being. Assessing quality of life is critical for improving care in patients having active therapy. This quantitative descriptive study assessed the QoL of patients with lung cancer receiving chemotherapy and examined associations with sociodemographic variables.

Methodology: A non-probability convenience sampling technique was used to select 300 patients who were visiting a tertiary care facility in Kochi, India. The EORTC QLQ-C30 general cancer questionnaire, the lung cancer-specific QLQ-LC13 module, and a sociodemographic questionnaire were used to collect data.

Results: Participants demonstrated a generally favourable QoL, with a cumulative mean score of 103.14 ± 5.44 (p < 0.001). Specifically, the general QoL domain yielded a mean of 71.14 ± 4.84$, while the lung-specific symptom score was 32.03 ± 2.69. Among the demographic variables analysed, living status emerged as the only significant predictor of QoL (Z = 2.122, p < 0.001), while other factors showed no statistically significant correlation.

 Conclusion: Patients receiving chemotherapy maintained a positive Quality of Life despite the burden of disease. However, the significance of living status highlights the need for social support. Healthcare providers should implement proactive, individualized interventions to manage symptoms and further enhance patient well-being.