Self-Image and Quality of Life among Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Journal Title: Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research - Year 2018, Vol 12, Issue 8
Abstract
ABSTRACT Introduction: Cancers affecting the parts of head and neck hugely impact the patients. Among Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) patients, the visible signs and symptoms of the disease or the side effects of treatment modalities can cause various degrees of functional impairment such as mastication, swallowing and communication or disfigurement. Aim: To study the relationship between self-image and quality of life among head and neck cancer patients. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional survey conducted among 54 head and neck cancer patients. Data were collected through self-administered demographic proforma, disease related proforma, self-image scale and Functional Assessment of Head and Neck Cancer (FACT; H&N). Association between self-image and demographic and disease related variables were assessed by computing Chi-square. Kruskal Wallis was computed to find the association between quality of life and demographic and disease related variables. Results: Majority of patients i.e., 36 out of 54 (66.7 %) were above 50 years, 43 (79.6%) were men, 47 (87%) were married, 46 (85.18%) had the disease duration of less than six months, 43 (79.6%) were receiving both radiation therapy and chemotherapy as a mode of treatment, 49 (90.7%) of them did not have any co-morbidity, 16 (29.6%) had a mode of feeding other than oral (ryles tube and PEG feeding) and six (11.1%) had undergone tracheostomy. There was a significant association between self-image and monthly income, treatment modality and radiotherapy dose with p =0.013, 0.006 and 0.046 respectively. Kruskal Wallis test value for mode of feeding (4.881) was also statistically significant (0.027) with quality of life. There is positive correlation (r=0.613, p=0.001) between self-image and quality of life of head and neck cancer patients. Conclusion: HNC patients suffer with the disease 24 hours a day. Self-image and quality of life of these patients is interrelated. As the self-image improves, the quality of life will be better and vice versa.
Authors and Affiliations
Shalini G. Nayak, Mamatha Shivananda Pai, Linu Sara George
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP529039
- DOI 10.7860/JCDR/2018/30770.11875
- Views 100
- Downloads 0
Low Grade Central Osteosarcoma-A Diagnostic Challenge
Low Grade Central Osteosarcoma (LGCO) is a rare intramedullary and well differentiated variant of osteosarcoma with a better prognosis than the more common conventional variant. It was first described by Unni et al., in...
The Study of Cognitive Change Process on Depression during Aerobic Exercises
Introduction: Several studies have shown that aerobic exercise is effective in treating the depression and improving the mental health. There are various theories which explains why aerobic exercise is effective in the t...
Successful Management of Urosepsis with Ceftriaxone+Sulbactam+EDTA: A Case Report of Penem Sparing Approach
Over the past decade, the Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) among members of Enterobacteriaceae family is on rise mainly due to rapid spread of strains producing Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs) and Metallo Beta-L...
AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) to Estimate the Pattern and Correlates of Alcohol Consumption among the Adult Population of West Bengal, India: A Community Based Cross-sectional Study
Introduction: Pattern of alcohol consumption substantially changed in India with in last 20 to 25 years. Excessive alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for various morbidity and mortality. So, scientific study to i...
Prognostic Value of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Colorectal Carcinoma
ABSTRACT Introduction: Colorectal carcinoma is a common malignancy with a worldwide distribution. AJCC tumour staging is the single most important prognostic indicator which is also used for selecting cases for postopera...