Factors Affecting Quality of Life of Thai Cervical Cancer Patients

This study aimed to assess the quality of life (QoL) among Thai patients with cervical cancer and identify the factors influencing utility scores using the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer: Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), EORTC: Cervical Cancer Module 24 (EORTC QLQ-CX24), and EQ-5D-5L instruments.

This cross-sectional study was conducted at Vajira Hospital, Thailand, and included 205 patients with cervical cancer. Demographics data, cancer stage, treatment status, and caregiving support, were collected. The participants completed the QoL questionnaires. Multivariate Tobit regression analysis was used to analyze the predictors of EQ-5D-5L utility scores.

The mean global QoL score (EORTC QLQ-C30) and mean utility score (EQ-5D-5L) were 73.62 ± 21.57 and 0.90 ± 0.18, respectively. Fatigue was the most frequently reported symptom, whereas sexual dysfunction (EORTC QLQ-CX24) and emotional distress were common challenges. Patients who had completed treatment without disease reported the highest utility score (mean: 0.96), whereas Stages III-IVA patients under palliative care had the lowest utility score (mean: 0.66). Multivariable analysis revealed that Stage III/IVa, palliative treatment, and having at least one caregiver were independently associated with significantly lower utility scores.

Cervical cancer significantly affects the QoL, with advanced stage and treatment status being major contributors to reduced utility. Additionally, the patient symptom burden is dominated by prominent fatigue and a distinct sexual health profile, characterized by a marked discordance between profoundly low sexual activity and persistent sexual worry.