Factors affecting health-related quality of life in patients with cervical cancer
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Background This study aimed to describe the health-related quality of life of Korean patients with cervical cancer using the EuroQol of life five-dimensional five-level (EQ-5D-5L) index and to identify sociodemographic, clinical, and symptom-related factors that significantly influence their health-related quality of life. Methods A multicenter survey of 230 Korean patients was conducted between August 2023 and February 2024. health-related quality of life was assessed using the EQ-5D-5L. Non-parametric tests were used to compare health-related quality of life distributions, and regression analyses were used to identify the influencing factors. Results The average EQ-5D-5L index score for health-related quality of life was 0.85. Multiple regression analysis incorporating all candidate variables simultaneously explained 71.4% of the variance in health-related quality of life (R² = 0.689). Independent negative predictors of health-related quality of life included advanced FIGO stage—specifically stage II (β = − 0.17, P < 0.001) and stage IV (β = − 0.12, P = 0.024), chemotherapy alone within one year (β = − 0.22, P = 0.026), and presence of dyspnea symptoms (β = − 0.05, P = 0.037). Conversely, living in households with two or more members was independently associated with better health-related quality of life (β = 0.10, P = 0.045). Conclusion Our results demonstrate that cervical cancer significantly impairs health-related quality of life compared with the general population, with advanced cancer stage, chemotherapy, and dyspnea symptoms being major independent negative predictors. Sociodemographic factors, particularly household composition, also play a significant role in patient well-being. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating patient-centered supportive care into cancer management, especially for those with advanced disease or those undergoing chemotherapy, to mitigate the symptom burden and improve the overall quality of life.
