Quality of life of cancer patients in palliative care in Northern Malawi: A descriptive and cross-sectional study

Background: Cancer continues to cause major morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries thereby contributing to unmet palliative care services. Palliative care among cancer patients aims to improve quality of life (QoL). This study was conducted to assess the QoL of cancer patients in palliative care. Methods: Through a descriptive and cross-sectional design, 158 cancer patients in palliative care services were assessed using the World Health Organization QOL-BREF tool which is a validated and reliable tool to assess QoL. The participants were assessed in four domains of QoL, namely physical, psychological, environment health, and social relationships. We also assessed individual’s overall perception to QoL and satisfaction with their health. Results: A total of 158 patients were interviewed with a mean age of 53 years and majority were females 102 (64.6%). The results show a significant positive correlation between the overall QoL and overall satisfaction and the scores of the physical and psychological domains, with r > 0.4 ( P < 0.001). Higher education ( P < 0.05), being on palliative chemotherapy ( P < 0.05) and longer duration of cancer ( P < 0.05) were associated with better QoL. Morphine was found to be a significant negative predictor affecting both the physical domain (β = −9.24; P = 0.045) and Q1 (β = −0.53; P < 0.05), but not psychological domain and overall satisfaction of health. Conclusion: Physical and psychological domains are the major determinants of overall QOL and satisfaction. The effectiveness of palliative care services in maintaining the overall QoL requires comprehensive supportive care.