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Quality of Life Research

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Open Access 01-02-2021 | Care | Review

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

Authors: Dwi Gayatri, Ljupcho Efremov, Eva Johanna Kantelhardt, Rafael Mikolajczyk

Published in: Quality of Life Research | Issue 2/2021

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.

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Title: Quality of life of cancer patients at palliative care units in developing countries: systematic review of the published literature
Authors: Dwi Gayatri
Ljupcho Efremov
Eva Johanna Kantelhardt
Rafael Mikolajczyk
Publication date: 01-02-2021
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keyword: Care
Published in: Quality of Life Research / Issue 2/2021
Print ISSN: 0962-9343
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2649
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-020-02633-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

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

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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Other articles of this Issue 2/2021

Predictors of quality of life among youths in foster care—a 5-year prospective follow-up study

A mixed-methods exploration of faith, spirituality, and health program interest among older African Americans with HIV

The impact of symptoms and comorbidity on health utility scores and health-related quality of life in small cell lung cancer using real world data

Evaluation of the ECOHIS and the CARIES-QC among an Australian “Aboriginal” population

Pain intensity and mental health quality of life in veterans with mental illnesses: the intermediary role of physical health and the ability to participate in activities

Association of smoking status and health-related quality of life: difference among young, middle-aged, and older adults in Shandong, China