Quality of life of cancer patients at palliative care units in developing countries: systematic review of the published literature

Abstract

Purpose This systematic review aims to summarize factors that influence the quality of life (QOL) of advanced cancer patients in palliative care (PC) in developing countries. Understanding this context in developing countries milieu is necessary; however, this outcome is rarely reported. Methods Following the PRISMA guidelines, the electronic databases MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science were systematically searched using the search terms: QOL, cancer, PC, and names of all developing countries. Studies with less than ten subjects, qualitative or pilot studies, reviews, conference abstracts, and that reported validation of QOL questionnaires were excluded. Results Fifty-five studies from 15 developing countries in the African (n = 5), Latin America and the Caribbean (n = 10), and Asian (n = 40) region were included in the narrative synthesis. 65.4% were cross-sectional, 27.3% were cohort studies, 7.3% were RCTs or quasi-experimental studies. Around 30 QOL factors were studied with 20 different types of QOL instruments. Advanced cancer patients who were older, married/ever married, participated in additional care within PC, used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and practiced spirituality/religiosity showed higher QOL score. Low educational level and high depression were associated with a lower QOL. Conclusion Various factors affect QOL among cancer patients in PC. Patients valued the use of CAMs; however, the quality and safety aspects should be properly addressed. Important factors that influenced the QOL score were social and spiritual support. While there is a general need to develop PC strategies further, recognizing patients’ needs should be prioritized in national cancer programs.

The assessment of spirituality between cancer and chronic inpatients: a cross-sectional study

“…It may be that cancer patients with varying degrees of anorexia, pain and other symptoms, and coupled with nancial pressure that lead they are easy to anxiety and depression, the mood is di cult to calm and ease. Related studies have shown that spiritual care affects the clinical outcomes, relieves pain and contributes to health promotion, so that patients can feel content and enjoy peace in mind [42][43]. Therefore, under the condition of solving the economic pressure and using treatment methods to alleviate discomfort symptoms, it is necessary to meet their spiritual needs as the premise and provide appropriate measures of spiritual care.…”

Quality of Life of Cancer Patients Receiving Enteral Nutrition: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…Due to an increase in the effectiveness of anti-cancer treatment [44] and an increase in life expectancy in cancer patients [45], the long-term complications will probably be observed more often, resulting in increasing role of the quality of life [46]. Taking this into account, it must be emphasized that the systematic review by Lis et al [47], assessing the role of nutritional status in predicting quality of life in cancer individuals, indicated that correcting malnutrition may improve quality of life in cancer patients.…”

Quality of Life Assessment and Pain Severity in Breast Cancer Patients Prior to Palliative Oncology Treatment in Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…27 Also, spirituality and religiosity are key components of Indonesian culture and influence the motivation to care for cancer patients. 27 For instance, studies reported that spiritual and religious practices in Indonesia and most developing countries acted as a positive factor for providing comfort and support for a sick family member 26 , 28 and positively affected cancer patients’ ability to cope. 29 Since most of our patients were religious individuals (around 90%), this aspect adds to the explanation of our findings.…”