Health Related Quality of Life and Religiosity of Women with Cervical Cancer in the Souss-Massa Region, Morocco: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is a highly prevalent cancer among women, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This disease affects women in various ways and consequently impacts the quality of life of those diagnosed with this type of cancer. The aim of this study is to assess the quality of life and the degree of religiosity among women with cervical cancer in Morocco.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study conducted at the Regional Oncology Center in the Souss-Massa region of Morocco during the period from January to May 2024. A total of 80 patients with cervical cancer were surveyed using the two validated Moroccan versions of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC QLQ-C30) module and the BIAC (Belief Into Action Scale). Mean scores were calculated, and the ANOVA test was used to examine the significance of the mean difference between variables. A stepwise multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to explore the predictive factors of health-related quality of life.

RESULTS

The average age of the patients was 56.1 ± 9.21 years. The mean overall quality of life score was 51.78 ± 30.06. Social functioning had the highest score (92.19 ± 21.90), while emotional functioning had the lowest score (62.55 ± 42). Pain (AOR= 6.98, 95% CI: 1.18-41.16) was associated with the patients' health-related quality of life. Regarding religiosity, the mean overall score on the BIAC scale was 54.17 ± 23.72. The patients' faith in God remained intact, but religious practice was significantly impaired.

CONCLUSION

Cervical cancer significantly affects the health-related quality of life of patients. Consequently, efforts to improve quality of life should be undertaken, particularly in terms of emotional functioning, pain, and financial difficulties.