Evaluation of Quality of Life among Breast Cancer Patients in Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The burden of breast cancer is gradually assuming epidemic proportions in Nigeria and globally. Increases in its incidence and mortality in Nigeria over the past three decades have been reported as 296 per cent and 223 per cent, respectively. The high morbidity and mortality rates associated with breast cancer necessitate efforts to improve the quality of life of patients with breast cancer. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines quality of life (QoL) as an individual’s perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards, and concerns. The standardised WHOQoL-BREF is the abbreviated version of the original instrument used to evaluate quality of life. This abbreviated version includes 26 items derived from the more comprehensive WHOQOL-100-item questionnaire. The standardised WHOQoL-BREF assesses quality of life across four domains: physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment. Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional study of quality of life among breast cancer patients at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado–Ekiti, Nigeria, over a 1-year period from May 1,2024, to April 30, 2025. Results: A total of 174 patients were enrolled, aged 18–78 years (mean 39.97 ± 15.57 years), with the largest proportion (25%) aged 21–30 years. Poor QoL was reported by 24.1% of participants, and 29.9% expressed dissatisfaction with life. Age, marital status, occupational satisfaction, faith-based treatment, and presence of physical comorbidity were significantly associated with poor QoL (p < 0.05). On multivariate regression analysis, age and use of traditional or faith-based treatment independently predicted poor QoL (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Women with breast cancer in this cohort experienced significantly poorer QoL across physical, psychological, and social domains compared with women without the disease. Poor QoL was linked to multiple sociodemographic factors and may adversely affect treatment outcomes. Early identification of at-risk patients, alongside integration of psychosocial support and patient-centered care into oncology services, is recommended to optimize treatment outcomes and overall well-being.