Determinants of Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients with Prostate Cancer Attending Cancer Centers in Eastern Kenya

<i>Introduction: </i>Patients with PCa experience alterations in sexual, genitourinary, and bowel functions, as well as psychological and financial difficulties, which in turn affect their HRQoL. However, there is paucity of data on the HRQoL among of patients with PCa being treated within the rural areas in Kenya. <i>Aim: </i>The aim of this study was to determine determinants of HRQoL among patients with PCa. <i>Methodology: </i>A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. Simple random sampling method was used to recruit 58 participants from two public cancer centers in Eastern Kenya. Data was collected using a researcher developed and administered semi-structured questionnaire. European Organization of Cancer Research and Treatment (EORTC) QLQ - C30 and QLQ – PR25 tools were used to obtain the HRQoL data and data was analyzed with SPSS version 29. Logistic regression tool was used to determine the predictors of HRQoL. A <i>p-</i>value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Ethical clearance and research permit were obtained from relevant authorities. <i>Results: </i>The mean age of the participants was about 73 years (±7.62) with a range of 60 to 90 years. Most participants were diagnosed in the 3<sup>rd</sup> stage of disease (39.7%, n=23) and had poor HRQoL (58.6%, n = 34). On the EORTC QLQ - C30, social functioning had the lowest average score of 49.43, while role functioning had the highest average score of 67.529%. On symptom scales/items, financial difficulties, fatigue, pain and insomnia were the most frequently reported. On EORTC QLQ – PR 25, urinary symptoms were the most prevalent (34.84%) while sexual activity domain scored relatively high, with a mean of 71.84%. Poor HRQoL was significantly associated with older age and low income while longer illness duration was associated with better HRQoL (<i>p =</i> < 0.05). The findings highlight age, income, and illness duration as key determinants of HRQoL among the participants, with financial strain and advanced age emerging as critical vulnerabilities. Strengthening financial protection mechanisms, geriatric-focused care, and sustained psychosocial support may help optimize long-term outcomes for patients with PCa in Kenya and similar settings.