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Comprehensive assessment of pain characteristics, quality of life, and pain management in cancer patients: a multi-center cross-sectional study

S. Shrestha, Simit Sapkota, S. L. Teoh, Bhuvan Kc, V. Paudyal, Shaun Wen Huey Lee, S. Gan

Quality of Life Research, 2024

65 participants · 37 citations

Abstract

Pain is the most common complaint among cancer patients, significantly impairing their health-related quality of life (HRQOL). There is limited evidence on the characteristics of pain among cancer patients in Nepal with low-resource settings. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics of pain, factors influencing pain intensity, and the association of pain severity with quality of life (QoL) among cancer patients. Secondary objectives included investigating perceived barriers to pain management and medication adherence among these patients. This multi-center, cross-sectional study enrolled adult patients (over 18 years old) with reported cancer diagnoses experiencing pain. Socio-demographic characteristics (e.g., age, gender, educational status), clinical characteristics (e.g. cancer diagnosis, staging), and pain characteristics (e.g., duration, type, location, medicines used for pain management, etc.) were recorded. Outcomes were assessed using the Numeric rating scale (NRS), Pain management Index, European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire, Barriers Questionnaire II, Medication Adherence Rating Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Four hundred and eight patients participated in the study. The mean ± SD age was 54.87 ± 15.65, with 226 patients (55.4%) being female. The most common cancer diagnoses were cervical (17.6%), lung (11.8%), and colon/rectum (12.0%) cancers. The…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 65 participants or records.

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