Abstract P6-08-07: Quality of life of women with breast cancer: A Middle East perspective
Authors: Jassim GA , Whitford DL 
Published: August 2014

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Scarce information is currently available on the quality of life (QoL) of breast cancer survivors in the Middle East region. The objective of this study is to describe QoL of Bahraini women with breast cancer and investigate the association between their QoL and their sociodemographic and clinical data.

Methods: This is a cross sectional study in which the Arabic version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer general quality of life questionnaire (QLQ-C30) and the disease specific questionnaire (QLQ-BR23) were administered to a random sample of 337 Bahraini women with breast cancer.

Statistical analysis: The collected data were coded, entered and analyzed using the statistical package SPSS. Relevant descriptive statistics were computed for all items. A higher score represents a “better” level of functioning, or a “worse” level of symptoms. The “Score” served as the dependent (Outcome) variable in the study for the purpose of data analysis. Sociodemographics and clinical information represented the independent variables. The equality of means across categories of each categorical independent variable was tested using ANOVA and independent t-test. Non-parametric tests (Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney tests) were used instead if the statistical assumptions of using the parametric tests were violated.

Results: Of the total sample only 239 consented to participation. The mean age of participants was 54.4 (SD±10.7). Participants had a mean score for global health of 63.9 (SD±21.3). Among functional scales, social functioning scored the highest mean (77.5) whereas emotional functioning scored the lowest (63.4). The most distressing symptom on the symptom scales of QLQ-C30 was fatigability (Mean 35.2). Using the disease specific tool (QLQ-BR23) it was found that sexual functioning scored the lowest mean (25.9) whereas “upset due to hair loss” symptom scored the highest mean (46.3). Significant mean differences for various functional and symptom scales were observed among categories of age, marital status, type of surgery, stage of disease, monthly income, educational status and time since diagnosis.

Discussion: Comparable global QoL mean was reported by participants in this study despite the limited structured psychological support available for breast cancer Bahraini women compared to advanced services in the western community. Women showed poor performance on sexual functioning and enjoyment. One of the reasons might be that single women were under less pressure to worry about their partner's opinion because traditionally and religiously the local society is restricting dating and premarital sex. On the other hand, married women were constantly intimidated by the second wife's option.

Conclusion: Bahraini women showed good functioning on most functional and symptom scales. Poorest functioning was reported for emotional and sexual domains. On the symptom scales, fatigue and arm morbidities were the most bothersome symptoms. Differences in several QoL domains are discussed in view of sociocultural and religious aspects. Health professionals need to develop a culturally sensitive clinical approach to enhance QoL of women with breast cancer in the Middle East region.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-08-07.