Evaluation of symptom severity and life quality of cancer patients in palliative care unit

Abstract

Aim: This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted to evaluate the symptom severity and quality of life levels of cancer patients hospitalized in palliative care units, and the effect of symptom severity on quality of life. Material and Methods: This study included 100 cancer patients hospitalized in palliative care units between November and December 2019, who accepted to participate in the study. Data were collected through face-to-face interview and Patient Information Form, Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Palliative Care (FACIT-Pal) Scale through face-to-face interview. Results: The mean age of the participants was 66.4 years; 51% were females and 77% of the patients received care help from their spouses. Lung cancer was diagnosed in 30% of the patients, 98% were at the fourth stage of the disease, and 66% received chemotherapy. Most severely experienced symptoms were as follows in order: lack of appetite, dyspnea, fatigue, changes in skin and nails, anxiety, pain, and drowsiness. Life quality mean scores were 9.5 +/- 3.06 for physical well-being, 12.5 +/- 4.41 for social life/family well-being, 8.9 +/- 3.19 for emotional well-being, 4.8 +/- 3.08 for functional well-being, 29.7 +/- 8.09 for other concerns, and 65.3 +/- 14.50 for total FACIT-Pal. Discussion: It was determined that the patients had high symptom severity and low life quality; besides as the severity of the symptoms increase, life quality decreased.