Various factors influence the quality of life (QOL) in cancer patients. This study sought to determine the predictors and factors associated with quality of life among gynaecological cancer patients on follow up at Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out between April and June 2014, involving both outpatient and inpatient gynaecological cancer patients receiving care at the palliative care unit. A structured questionnaire adopting the Missoula Vitas Quality of Life Index was used to collect information on socio-demographics, clinical characteristics and their perceptions about quality of life. The association between socio-demographic and clinical factors with QOL was analyzed using one way ANOVA and linear regression analysis to identify the predictors of QOL. A total of 108 study patients were interviewed. Their mean age was 48 years with a range of 18 to 72 years. Age, level of education, marital status, occupation and monthly income were the socio-demographic factors significantly associated with QOL scores, (p<0.05). The patients' type of cancer, type of cancer treatment, duration of illness and palliative care services were the clinical characteristics significantly associated with QOL scores, (p<0.05). Age, level of education, occupation, average monthly income, type of cancer treatment, duration of illness and type of cancer were the independent predictors of QOL. Vulnerable patients were those who were less educated, peasant farmers or casual workers, had a long duration of illness and underwent combined therapy. Age, education, occupation, income, type of cancer, type of cancer treatment and duration of illness were the determinants of quality of life among gynaecological cancer patients in the study. Sufficient attention should be given to the more vulnerable gynaecological cancer patients in identifying and addressing their specific needs by the palliative care team.

Background/Aims: Cancer and its treatment affects the quality of life in patients. In Africa, there is limited research available on the quality of life among cancer patients. This study describes quality of life in patients with gynaecological cancer attending Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted among patients with gynaecological cancer attending the palliative care unit. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adopting the Missoula-VITAS Quality of Life Index, a 25-item quality of life measure containing five subscales. Results: A total of 108 patients were interviewed. The mean total quality of life score was 17.2 (possible range 0 to 30), and the mean global quality of life score was 3.5 (possible range 0 to 5). The following subscale mean scores were recorded: symptom (8.2), transcendent (6.2), function (5.6), interpersonal (5.3) and wellbeing (–2.9) (possible range –30 to 30). Conclusions: The quality of life of patients with gynaecological cancer was moderate, while insufficient attention to patients' psychosocial needs adversely affected patients' perceptions of their quality of life.