Health-related quality of life and associated factors among individuals with cancer in Laos

Abstract

Being diagnosed with cancer has diverse consequences that can influence patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Understanding HRQoL and its associated factors among cancer patients, especially in low- and middle-income countries, is critical to focus on early detection and enhance cancer treatment strategies. In Laos, however, there is a scarcity of information. The study aimed to assess HRQoL in individuals with cancer in Laos and its association with sociodemographic and clinical factors. Data were obtained from 193 patients with diverse cancers in Laos. HRQoL was assessed using a 30-item of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire-C30 (EORTC QLQ–C30), including nine subscales: global health status/quality of life (GQoL), functioning (physical, role, emotional, cognitive, social), and symptoms (pain, fatigue, nausea/vomiting). Predetermined thresholds indicating clinical importance were applied to identify patients exhibiting functional impairment and symptoms at a level meriting concern (clinical case). Controlling for age, sex and cancer stage, multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with subscales of EORTC QLQ-C30. More than three-quarters of the patients reported functioning at levels corresponding to clinical cases (54–93%) and experiencing pain (82%), nausea/vomiting (83%), and financial difficulties (87%). Higher educational attainment and receipt of cancer treatment were associated with better GQoL. Comorbid conditions were consistently associated with poorer functioning and greater symptom burden, including fatigue, dyspnea, constipation, and diarrhea. Cancer patients in Laos experience a substantial burden of clinically important functional impairments, symptoms, and financial difficulties. Sociodemographic and clinical factors, particularly education, treatment modality, and comorbid conditions, were associated with HRQoL outcomes. Participants who had not received treatment generally experienced greater functional impairment and symptom burden, underscoring the importance of timely access to cancer care and supportive services. These findings support the need for targeted supportive care interventions and symptom management strategies to improve the wellbeing of cancer patients in Laos.