Quality of life in Chinese women with gynaecological cancers

Sixty-two Hong Kong Chinese women with gynaecological cancers participated in this cross-sectional study to assess their quality of life (QOL), Chines e versions of the World Health Organisation Quality of Life Measure abbrevi ated version, the Profile of Mood States, and the Sexual Relationships subs cale of the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale were used. Qualitative data were collected about the meaning of QOL and the areas of life most af fected by the cancer and its treatments. The overall QOL was found to be mo derate (mean 92.4, SD 36.34), with the domains of psychological health and social relationships most affected. The distressed facets of life were rela ted to pain, dependency, finances, sexuality, psychological health and spir ituality. Mobility, accepting one's outlook, social support and "eating" we re areas considered by these women to contribute to a better QOL. The meani ng of QOL was described in terms of happiness and material resources. The o verall mood score was found to be impaired (mean 43.84, SD 32.31), with rel atively high scores for depression, anger and tension. Depression could exp lain 45% of the variance in the QOL. Despite some missing data, sexual rela tionships among the respondents were moderately affected, with reduced sexu al desire and activity. However, the patients' relationships with their hus bands were minimally affected, suggesting the men's understanding and suppo rt in the cancer trajectory of their wives. Areas of life that may need fur ther support, such as sexual functioning and psychosocial adjustment, could be improved by the use of sex therapy or group support interventions. Limi tations of the present study and suggestions for future research are discus sed.